sports
Creaking Cristiano Ronaldo’s presence at World Cup is more a curse than a blessing
Veterans such as Messi and Modric are much in evidence at the finals, but an obsession with celebrity may undermine Portugal
TL;DR
- Seven players aged 40 or older are set to participate in the World Cup, matching the total from the previous 22 tournaments.
- Advancements in sports science, improved nutrition, and better understanding of recovery contribute to players extending their careers.
- While veterans like Messi and Modric may still offer contributions, Cristiano Ronaldo's reduced mobility is seen as a potential detriment to Portugal's team.
- The presence of older, high-profile players is partly due to the tournament's expansion and also a modern obsession with celebrity.