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Few athletes have captivated soccer fans quite like Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese superstar has spent more than two decades dazzling audiences around the world, establishing himself as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport.
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner has enjoyed remarkable success at both club and international level, winning league titles, UEFA Champions League trophies, the UEFA European Championship and multiple UEFA Nations League titles with Portugal.
As Ronaldo prepares for another World Cup campaign, The Sporting News takes a look at the club and country he represents heading into the 2026 tournament
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Who does Cristiano Ronaldo play for in the World Cup?
Ronaldo represents Portugal at the World Cup and is the captain of his national team.
The superstar forward has been a fixture of the national team setup since making his senior debut as a teenager in 2003. Since then, he has become Portugal's all-time leading appearance-maker and goalscorer, recording 228 caps and 143 goals while helping his country win UEFA Euro 2016 and two UEFA Nations League titles.
As captain, Ronaldo remains one of Portugal's most influential players and will be hoping to help his country challenge for World Cup glory in 2026.
Has Cristiano Ronaldo ever won a World Cup?
No. Despite enjoying one of the most successful careers in soccer history, Ronaldo has never won the FIFA World Cup with Portugal.
Portugal's best finish during Ronaldo's international career came in 2006, when they reached the semifinals and ultimately placed fourth. Since then, Ronaldo has featured at five additional World Cups but has yet to lead his country to the sport's biggest prize.
While World Cup glory has eluded him, Ronaldo has helped Portugal achieve historic success on the international stage, captaining his country to the UEFA European Championship title in 2016 and UEFA Nations League triumphs in 2019 and 2025.
What club team does Cristiano Ronaldo play for?
Ronaldo plays for Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr, having joined the club in December 2022 following his departure from Manchester United.
The Portuguese superstar began his professional career at Sporting CP before rising to global prominence at Manchester United. He later enjoyed a trophy-laden spell at Real Madrid, where he became the club's all-time leading goalscorer, before spending three seasons with Juventus and returning to Manchester United in 2021.
Since arriving at Al Nassr, Ronaldo has continued to add to one of the most decorated careers in soccer history while helping raise the profile of club soccer in Saudi Arabia.
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