Cristiano Ronaldo best World Cup bet boosts, top goalscorer odds and Golden Ball odds

He’s back! Cristiano Ronaldo returns for what is surely his sixth and final World Cup looking to complete the one achievement that has eluded him throughout a glittering career.

Having watched long-time rival Lionel Messi lift the trophy in Qatar four years ago, Ronaldo now gets one final shot at football’s biggest prize. Whether he can still deliver on the grandest stage is another matter.

Given his global reach, expect bookmakers to bombard punters with Ronaldo-related offers throughout the tournament. Those will range from Golden Boot and Golden Ball markets to goalscorer specials, matchday boosts and Portugal outright betting.

Here, we’ll look at the most popular betting markets involving Ronaldo, assess his chances of finally ticking off a few remaining career milestones and highlight some of the best ways punters can get involved – or perhaps more importantly, the markets I’d avoid.

Cristiano Ronaldo Betting Odds

Best Cristiano Ronaldo World Cup bet boosts

If I had to guess, I’d say there will be more Cristiano Ronaldo price boosts and special offers than any other player at these finals. In fact, probably more than 99% of them combined.

• To score anytime: Bookmakers love offering Ronaldo goalscorer boosts because few players attract punters quite like the Portugal captain. Whether they represent value is debatable.
• First goalscorer: This is slightly more interesting. Ronaldo is almost guaranteed to start matches but far from certain to finish them, making first goalscorer specials worth a second look.
• Shots on target: Now we’re talking. Death, taxes and Ronaldo shooting every 20 seconds. He averaged 5.57 shots per game for Al-Nassr this season and could be tailor-made for this market.
• Assists: I’d be cautious. Ronaldo has always been a goalscorer first and foremost, registering just five assists for Al-Nassr this season and none during qualification. Let’s just say he’s never been known for choosing a pass over a shooting opportunity.
• Player specials: These will be everywhere. Golden Boot, Golden Ball, Portugal’s top goalscorer and various tournament milestones are all likely to feature heavily.
• Matchday Bet Builders: Ronaldo will sit at the heart of countless Bet Builders throughout the tournament, particularly against weaker opposition where his goalscoring odds are likely to be extremely short.

Cristiano Ronaldo top goalscorer odds

I think punters fall into two distinct camps when it comes to Cristiano Ronaldo’s chances of winning the Golden Boot. You’re either with him or against him. Spoiler alert, I’m against him.

Despite his extraordinary career, the World Cup has never really been Ronaldo’s tournament. Across five editions he has scored just eight goals, with half of those arriving during the 2018 campaign alone.

Furthermore, he’s never scored in a World Cup knockout match and has only once managed more than a single goal at a tournament.

Those are difficult statistics to ignore, especially when Ronaldo is now 41 years old and increasingly reliant on penalties.

There are, of course, reasons why plenty of punters will still fancy his chances. Ronaldo remains the only player in history to have scored in five different World Cups. He is still Portugal’s designated penalty taker, finished as his nation’s leading scorer during qualification and continues to find the net regularly at club level, albeit in Saudi Arabia.

While he may have only played the one game so far, he already finds himself five goals behind his arch rival Messi – who just moved up to top spot in the all-time World Cup scoring chart.

Portugal’s opener – a 1-1 draw with DR Congo – was also far from convincing and Ronaldo drew criticism from pundits and ex-players including Thierry Henry for making selfish runs and decisions. He could very easily, however, respond with a hat trick against debutants Uzbekistan.

Still, while one final fairytale can never be ruled out, there are stronger Golden Boot candidates elsewhere and at better prices.

Bet on Ronaldo to take home the Golden Boot at 50/1 with Betfred

Cristiano Ronaldo Golden Ball odds

If I’m lukewarm on Ronaldo’s Golden Boot chances, I’m even less enthusiastic about the Golden Ball.

Unlike the Golden Boot, the Golden Ball isn’t awarded to the tournament’s leading scorer. Instead, it goes to the player judged to have had the biggest overall impact on the World Cup.

History isn’t particularly encouraging here. Ronaldo has never won the Golden Ball, Silver Ball or Bronze Ball despite appearing at five previous tournaments.

Could that change this summer? In theory, yes. Portugal are among the leading contenders and a World Cup triumph would undoubtedly strengthen his case.

The problem is that Ronaldo’s best route to this award almost certainly requires Portugal to win the tournament and for him to be the driving force behind it. At 41, that’s asking an awful lot – never mind the fact they’ve not made the best start.

⚽ Cristiano Ronaldo to win the Golden Ball at 80/1 with Sky Bet ⚽

Portugal to win the World Cup odds

Portugal head into the tournament as one of the leading contenders and, in truth, their chances probably appeal more than Ronaldo’s individual markets.

Roberto Martínez can call upon one of the deepest squads in world football. Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Vitinha and João Neves are all operating at or near their peak, while Portugal’s route through the competition looks kinder than that facing several rivals.

The dynamic between Ronaldo and Portugal has changed. Unlike Lionel Messi or Harry Kane, Portugal’s hopes aren’t entirely dependent on their captain. In fact, there’s a strong argument that this team is stronger when he’s not involved.

That isn’t necessarily bad news for Ronaldo backers. A deep Portugal run would naturally create more opportunities for goals, specials and milestones.

But unlike previous tournaments, it feels as though Portugal are carrying Ronaldo’s World Cup dream rather than the other way around.

Best ways to back Cristiano Ronaldo during the World Cup

Below are what I believe to be the better markets involving Cristiano Ronaldo at this summer’s World Cup, and one that’s clearly not.

• Shots on target: This is the best approach. Nobody shoots more often than Cristiano Ronaldo and he’ll be desperate to extend his record by scoring in a sixth World Cup. Sometimes betting really can be that simple.
• Anytime goalscorer: I’m less confident about his goalscoring prowess, but for many of the same reasons, this still looks a decent angle if enhanced prices are available. Portugal should be favourites in their group matches and likely to enjoy a favourable route through the early knockout rounds. Ronaldo also remains their penalty taker.
• Portugal to win the World Cup: Portugal’s squad looks stronger than many of Ronaldo’s previous World Cup teams and their route through the competition is relatively favourable. Let’s not forget they arrive as Nations League winners after beating Spain in the final.
• Golden Boot/Golden Ball: I’ll lump these together because I think his chances are speculative at best in both. Ronaldo’s World Cup record is surprisingly modest for a player of his stature and, at 41 years old, the task looks even tougher.

Cristiano Ronaldo previous World Cup record

For a player widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers in history, Ronaldo’s World Cup record is fairly middling.

The Portugal captain scored one goal in 2006, one in 2010, one in 2014, four in 2018 and one in 2022. He has also provided just two assists across his five appearances at the tournament.

That leaves him with eight World Cup goals, one fewer than Portugal legend Eusébio and some way short of the numbers produced by Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé.

Perhaps the most surprising statistic of all is that Ronaldo has never scored in a World Cup knockout match. Given Portugal’s ability over the years, that’s a remarkable record.

The good news for Ronaldo backers is that he remains the only player to have scored in five different editions of the World Cup. If this really is his final appearance, don’t be surprised if he finds a way to add another chapter to the story.

Final verdict

Sorry to anyone clicking on this article expecting an ode to Cristiano Ronaldo or me talking up his chances of sweeping the individual awards.

For me, Portugal’s outright chances are far more appealing than any of Ronaldo’s personal markets. This looks like one of the strongest squads they’ve ever taken to a major tournament and their route through the competition is favourable.

As for Ronaldo himself, I’d be far more interested in shots on target, first goalscorer and bookmaker specials than either the Golden Boot or Golden Ball.

At 41, asking him to outperform the likes of Kylian Mbappé, Harry Kane and the rest over the course of an entire tournament feels like a step too far.

Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to talkSPORT. 18+. T&Cs apply.

Remember to gamble responsibly

A responsible gambler is someone who:

• Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
• Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
• Never chase their losses
• Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
• Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk

Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.

For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.