Cristiano’s Ronaldo shocking behaviour at Portugal training leaves fans guessing at his last FIFA World Cup
In 2006, a slight-looking youngster walked out on the global stage for the very first time in Germany. Wearing 17 on his back, he made history as Portugal’s youngest ever goalscorer at World Cups enroute to a semi-finals run. That is the closest Cristiano Ronaldo has ever come to World Cup glory.
Two decades later and now in his twilight, the superstar is prepared for one final dance with Selecao das Quinas in North America.
The World Cup is the only major trophy missing from Ronaldo’s collection for club or country. The forward has staked a claim at the very top of international goalscoring charts with 143 strikes for Portugal, smashing the record of 108 previously held by Iran’s Ali Daei. However, only eight of those have come at the World Cup, in 22 appearances across five editions.
Nevertheless, the 2026 FIFA World Cup is the Madeira man’s best shot at glory. At present, he arguably has the most potent Portuguese team at his disposal across his 23-year international career. Be it the likes of Nuno Mendes and Ruben Dias in defence, the dynamic pair of Vitinha and Bruno Fernandes in the middle, or the electric Rafael Leao and Bernardo Silva to give him company in attack.
This new golden generation has already resulted in two Nations League titles for Ronaldo. They followed the Euro triumph in 2016, in which Ronaldo was unsurprisingly the team’s joint top goal-scorer.
They say 2026 is the new 2016, and Ronaldo would be praying no differently. His year has already got off to an ominous start. In May, the talisman scored a brace on the final Saudi Pro League matchday to secure his first trophy with Al Nassr, four years into his association with the club.
Now, Ronaldo’s eyes are firmly set on the elusive grand prize. His team have set camp in the Sunshine State Florida. Ronaldo would expect a seamless passage through Group K where Portugal have been paired with Colombia, Uzbekistan, and DR Congo.
The pressure to deliver is undoubtedly higher than ever, but Ronaldo’s antics at training suggest he could not be less bothered.
During one of Portugal’s practice sessions, the 41-year-old was spotted sparking some frivolous banter. Warming-up, Ronaldo suddenly slid his shorts down upto his knees and began walking haughtily with legs outstretched, unable to contain his laughter. His peers seemed amused to say the least, albeit they did not seem to partake with Ronaldo’s shenanigans.
Nah, who’s Ronaldo making fun of? 😭 pic.twitter.com/8bPejNSQnF
— Al Nassr Zone (@TheNassrZone) June 15, 2026
The internet was quick to work out theories on the target of Ronaldo’s trolling. Some believed the act to be a light-hearted dig at the likes of Lamine Yamal and Calvin Bassey that have sparked a trend of wearing sagging shorts. However, there was little consensus.
Ronaldo could have also been mocking teammate Leao with his mannerisms, the AC Milan winger well known for his swagger on the field.
Regardless, Ronaldo’s good mood indicates a positive environment in the Portuguese camp under Roberto Martinez’s watch. Only time will tell whether it translates into results, with Portugal set to open their campaign against Congo in Houston on June 17.
