Mills says Ronaldo will manage Portugal at the 2030 World Cup

England legend Danny Mills has said that Cristiano Ronaldo’s playing career is highly fragile and could end with a single injury.

In an interview with betTOM, Mills argued that it would be hard to justify starting a 41‑year‑old Ronaldo in four years, and that Ronaldo is more likely to become a manager or player‑coach for Portugal by the 2030 World Cup.

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“Unless Cristiano Ronaldo becomes the player‑coach for Portugal at the next World Cup, I can’t see him playing,” he said.

“I’m not sure you can justify starting Ronaldo for Portugal in four years’ time. He’s one injury away from being done; the body doesn’t heal or recover anywhere as effectively once you enter your 40s.”

“He’ll be involved in one way or another in 2030, but I think it’s a dream to imagine him in the starting XI.”

“It goes without saying he’s an outstanding footballer with incredible numbers to his name. But I think there are a few too many egos and star players who won’t be buying into the idea of playing for Ronaldo – in contrast to how the Argentinian squad is built to serve Lionel Messi.”

Ronaldo made history in the 2026 World Cup by becoming the first male player to score in six different World Cup tournaments.

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Despite a quiet and heavily criticized opening match, the 41‑year‑old silenced doubters by scoring a brace in Portugal’s 5‑0 group‑stage victory over Uzbekistan.

Portugal must beat Colombia to finish first in Group K, and Ronaldo is expected to start again for his country, which seems unwilling to drop him despite his continued performance.