Leboeuf Hopes Ronaldo Wins 2026 World Cup

Frank Leboeuf, the former centre-back of France, who became the World Cup champions in 2000 has made it clear that he would love to see Cristiano Ronaldo win the FIFA World Cup trophy at the 2026 competition in the USA. In an interview with GOAL, Leboeuf added that he would love to see the next world cup to be owned by Ronaldo just like the 2022 world cup was characterized by the victory of Lionel Messi with Argentina.

Ronaldo, at 40 years old and playing in the Saudi Pro League, has already stated that the 2026 FIFA world cup will be the last world cup of his career internationally. The Portuguese captain has over 950 goals in the club and country and is bound to be the leader of Portugal once again on the greatest stage in the world.

Although his success and longevity as an individual are truly impressive, the World Cup is still the trophy that Ronaldo has failed to win in his career. He has represented Portugal in five World Cups and he has been closest in 2022 when the Portuguese were beaten by the Moroccan team in the quarterfinals. That incident eventually saw Messi winning the trophy following a great final where Argentina triumphed over France.

Leboeuf himself recognized the symbolism of the 2022 World Cup as he felt that it was devoted to Messi and he hoped that 2026 will offer a similar conclusion to Ronaldo. He also added to the strength of the current squad of Portugal saying that the team is quite robust and can have a realistic chance of winning the title.

The ex-Chelsea defender also responded to the criticism that he has received by Ronaldo fanatics. Although he confessed that he has previously criticised the Portuguese star, Leboeuf indicated that the world cup is the final goal in football.

The national team has been in the most successful period of its history since Ronaldo made his debut in the Portuguese team in 2003, scoring once in the European championship of the UEFA and twice in the UEFA Nations League. A win in the world cup in 2026 would be a historical cap to both Ronaldo and Portuguese football.