Expert opinion: Ronaldo at the World Cup at 45—dream or final challenge?

Eshraf Kanfoud (former mental coach of the Tunisian national team)

As the football world speculates about Cristiano Ronaldo’s presence at the 2030 World Cup at 45, the analysis should no longer focus on his muscles, but on his central nervous system. For CR7, 2030 isn’t just a marketing fantasy—it’s a biological possibility validated by science. As an expert in neuro-performance, I’m breaking down the four pillars that make him an unprecedented “neural athlete.”1. Tactical anticipation: the predictive brainThe first scientific proof of Ronaldo’s longevity comes from the “Tested to the Limit” study by biomechanics researchers at the University of Chichester. Scientists had Ronaldo receive crosses in total darkness. The result is clear: Ronaldo scored every time. His brain decoded the crosser’s hip position and body angle about 500 milliseconds before impact. He didn’t see the ball—he predicted its trajectory.By 2030, this predictive coding will be a vast data bank enriched by experience. His synaptic processing speed could compensate for the loss of fast-twitch muscle fibers. He won’t run faster, but he’ll react sooner.2. “Quiet Eye” and cognitive efficiencyLong-term success relies on the “Quiet Eye” theory, developed by Dr. Joan Vickers. It measures gaze fixation time just before a decisive action, showing that experts isolate relevant information while blocking out distractions.Ronaldo uses this mechanism to stabilize his motor cortex. Thanks to “Chunking Theory,” he doesn’t see 22 individual players but simplified tactical blocks, which greatly reduces his mental load. By 2030, this technique will become almost automatic, consuming little mental energy and helping him stay sharp until the final whistle.3. Regulation of the autonomic nervous system: the role of myelinThough his chronological age will be 45, his neural age remains much younger due to myelination and autonomic nervous system management. Years of intensive practice have strengthened his neural circuits, improving precision and execution speed despite aging.Heart rate variability is also critical. With advanced breathing and recovery techniques, he manages his physiological state between activation and rest, optimizing overall performance.4. Neuro-recovery: a decisive factorTo last until 2030, recovery can’t just be physical—it must also be cerebral. Ronaldo relies on advanced protocols for sleep and rest management to maximize recovery and minimize mental fatigue from repeated effort.This recovery work allows him to maintain remarkable consistency and avoid the wear and tear that usually affects players late in their careers.Cristiano Ronaldo in 2030 would no longer be just an experienced player, but the embodiment of performance built on brain mastery and decision-making. He has gradually turned his body into a tool serving his football intelligence.Physical decline is inevitable, but it can be partially offset by optimizing neural mechanisms. For clubs and technical staff, his profile goes beyond the classic athlete—he’s becoming a case study in human performance. So the question is no longer just whether he can play, but how he continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible.

Denis Lavagne (former Cameroon national team coach)

Anything remains possible, but the real question is about performance level. Between 41 and 45, a lot can change, especially physically, as aging accelerates despite a flawless lifestyle.Even today, Ronaldo is an exceptional athlete, but he’s no longer the same in terms of intensity and repeated efforts. The question is simple: can he still be valuable to his team at the highest level?With a 48-team World Cup, participation is still possible, especially in the group stage. However, in high-intensity matches, his impact would inevitably be limited.In terms of game time, he could still contribute, but in short spells—around 15 to 20 minutes at the end of matches—where his experience and goal-scoring instincts can make the difference.