David Trezeguet: 'Cristiano Ronaldo deserves to win' — Portugal's 2026 World Cup hopes endorsed

David Trezeguet, a member of France’s 1998 World Cup-winning squad, has publicly backed Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal ahead of the 2026 World Cup, saying Ronaldo “deserves to win this kind of trophy.” Trezeguet made the comments in an interview with Argentine network TyC Sports published 10 June 2026, as Portugal prepare for the expanded 48-team tournament and tune up in a friendly against Nigeria that is listed as 1-1 in the first half in supplied match data.

Why it matters: Ronaldo’s last realistic World Cup chance and Portugal’s momentum

Trezeguet framed the 2026 World Cup as possibly the final opportunity for Ronaldo to capture the sport’s biggest prize, and his endorsement matters because it underlines how highly regarded Ronaldo’s career achievements are among former champions. The source notes Portugal enter the tournament with recent success — notably the 2025 UEFA Nations League title — and a group of players who have won the Champions League, positioning the Seleção as a heavyweight in the larger World Cup field.

Trezeguet’s take: the old guard and the new generation

In the TyC Sports interview, Trezeguet reflected on the tournament’s character, contrasting the new generation of athletic forwards with players from Messi and Ronaldo’s era. He said the 2026 World Cup will be the culmination of that generation and singled out Erling Haaland as the type of player who can change games. But he returned to Ronaldo when discussing leadership and legacy, saying: “Cristiano Ronaldo deserves to win this kind of trophy,” and highlighting Ronaldo’s magnitude and what he has achieved.

Trezeguet also pointed to Portugal’s depth around Ronaldo, describing the team as “interesting” and rich in individual talent. He highlighted a midfield core that, according to the source, is based on a Paris Saint-Germain side that recently won the Champions League — a point Trezeguet used to underline Portugal’s winning mentality and preparedness for the major tournament.

Portugal’s form and preparation (match context)

Match data supplied with this article shows Portugal are engaged in a friendly against Nigeria (kickoff listed at 2026-06-10T19:45:00+00:00) and that the game is recorded as 1-1 in the first half. The friendly is part of Portugal’s immediate preparation for the World Cup campaign; the result and the performance in warm-up fixtures will be watched for signs of balance between Ronaldo’s influence and the supporting cast named by Trezeguet.

Trezeguet’s World Cup pedigree — why his view carries weight

Trezeguet’s own World Cup history was summarised in the source. He was part of France’s 1998 title-winning squad, contributing on the way to the final. He also played in 2006 when France reached the final and finished as runners-up. Trezeguet referenced his preference for a penalty-box number nine and acknowledged how players with those characteristics — including his admiration for Haaland — fit into the evolving landscape of international football.

His status as a former world champion gives his assessment of Ronaldo and Portugal added weight — particularly his point that carrying a ‘winning awareness’ from recent club and national successes can be a deciding factor in tournaments.

Key takeaways

• David Trezeguet (France 1998) said “Cristiano Ronaldo deserves to win this kind of trophy.”
• Trezeguet made the remarks in an interview with Argentine network TyC Sports published 10 June 2026.
• Portugal arrive at the 2026 World Cup with recent success, including the 2025 UEFA Nations League, and a group of players who have won the Champions League, per the source.
• Match data shows Portugal were playing a friendly against Nigeria (kickoff 2026-06-10T19:45:00+00:00) and the score is recorded as 1-1 in the first half.
• Trezeguet referenced both the old guard (Ronaldo, Messi, Neymar) and the new generation (Haaland, Mbappé, Yamal) as shaping the 2026 World Cup.

Trezeguet’s comments marry respect for individual legacy with a recognition of Portugal’s present squad depth. He emphasised Ronaldo’s standing relative to other all-time greats and suggested that Portugal’s recent successes — both in Nations League and at club level among its players — give the side genuine tournament credentials.

What it means and what to watch next

Trezeguet’s endorsement increases the spotlight on Ronaldo and Portugal as tournament favourites, but it does not change facts on the pitch. Fans and analysts should watch Portugal’s final warm-up matches — including the Nigeria friendly recorded in the match data — for how manager selection and team shape balance Ronaldo’s role with the younger, Champions League-winning elements of the squad. The 2026 World Cup represents an opportunity for Ronaldo to complete a career-long set of honours, and for Portugal to translate recent Nations League success into the sport’s top prize.