Add as preferred source on Google
Fiorentina shot-stopper David de Gea dropped a powerful assessment of former Manchester United teammate Cristiano Ronaldo ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
David de Gea missed playing alongside Cristiano Ronaldo in his fellow Manchester United legend’s prolific first spell at Old Trafford under Sir Alex Ferguson.
However, the 35-year-old Spaniard crossed paths with Ronaldo at United further down the line after the Red Devils brought him back to Old Trafford in 2021.
Ronaldo, who is regarded as one of the best players of all time, is set to play at his final World Cup tournament with Portugal in the summer in North America.
Photo by Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty Images VOTE NOW for your pick between Eric Cantona and Cristiano Ronaldo
Who was the best Manchester United number 7 between these two icons?
Getty Images David de Gea’s praise for Portugal and Man Utd legend Cristiano Ronaldo ahead of the 2026 World Cup tournament
Cristiano Ronaldo has enjoyed a magnificent playing career for both club and country and the 41-year-old forward has had a seminal impact on football.
The Manchester United and Real Madrid legend, who lifted the Euro 2016 title with Portugal, will play at his sixth major World Cup competition in the summer.
Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport, David de Gea has explained that he holds nothing but huge admiration for Ronaldo’s illustrious legacy in the sport.
The Fiorentina captain, who has faced Portugal icon Ronaldo during his time with Spain, insisted that the Al Nassr superstar’s fitness has been key to his longevity.
“Cristiano has something special,” De Gea said.
“Everything about him is incredible: the way he works and takes care of himself, his diet.
“You don’t become the best by accident.”
Cristiano Ronaldo’s 2021/22 season was CRAZY – What went wrong for the team?
What was your favourite Cristiano Ronaldo moment in his second spell?
Getty Images Man Utd legend Cristiano Ronaldo to bow out of Portugal international duty after the 2026 World Cup competition
Ronaldo has his final chance to mirror Barcelona and Argentina icon Lionel Messi by capturing a World Cup trophy before he eventually retires from the sport.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner turned 41 in February and Ronaldo admitted that Father Time is catching up with him during his longstanding spell with Portugal.
When asked if this would be his final World Cup at the Tourise Summit in Riyadh last November, Ronaldo said: “Definitely, yes.”
As per BBC Sport, the former Juventus superstar added: “I will be 41 years old and I think [this] will be the moment in the big competition.”
Ronaldo is both Portugal’s all-time leading scorer and appearance-maker ahead of captaining Roberto Martinez’s men at the upcoming World Cup tournament.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
