The 2026 FIFA World Cup is also being experienced far from the stadiums. In the General Cemetery of Xela (Quetzaltenango), the tomb of Vanushka – the famous gypsy who, according to popular tradition, grants favors to those who write requests to her – once again became a reflection of the hopes of hundreds of people.
This time, in addition to the traditional messages to pass exams, get a job or strengthen romantic relationships, new prayers linked to football appeared.
Two recent inscriptions stand out on the pink walls of the mausoleum and the white cross: “May Cristiano Ronaldo win the 2026 World Cup”accompanied by a heart and the number 7, and another shorter one: “May Portugal win the World Cup. Amen”.
Cristiano’s last great dream
The requests coincide with one of the most symbolic moments of the Portuguese captain’s career. At 41 years old, Cristiano Ronaldo is competing in what appears to be his last World Cup and is seeking to win the only major title missing from his record.
The forward arrives strengthened after scoring a double in Portugal’s victory over Uzbekistan and responding to those who questioned his level after his debut. After that match he launched a defiant “I’m back” in front of the cameras and later explained the background of the message.
“When things go wrong, Cristiano is already retired and old; it will always be like that,” declared the Portuguese captain when referring to the criticism received after the first match of the tournament.
His words reinforced the perception that this World Cup represents a special opportunity for both him and his followers, who seem to have transferred that desire even to one of the most emblematic places of Quetzaltecan popular tradition.
The contrast with Messi
Cristiano’s requests also find an explanation in the context of the tournament. While the Portuguese is looking for the only major trophy missing in his career, Lionel Messi has already won the world title in Qatar 2022 and, in this edition, he further expanded his legacy by becoming the top scorer in the history of the World Cups with 18 goals and breaking four records recognized by Guinness World Records.
That contrast helps understand why many fans consider the 2026 World Cup to be the last great opportunity for Cristiano Ronaldo to complete an extraordinary career.
Xelajú, studies… and the World Cup
The walls of the tomb show that World Cup fervor coexists with everyday concerns. Along with the messages dedicated to Portugal, requests appear such as “Be a dentist”, “Spend the year with a good average”, “Let the Xelajú MC come out with the 8th” either “I love you Xelajú MC”confirming that Vanushka’s grave continues to function as a space where popular faith, personal aspirations and sporting passions mix.
Beyond beliefs, the new inscriptions reveal how the World Cup is also experienced from Guatemala and how figures like Cristiano Ronaldo awaken a devotion that transcends the fields, until it is written in one of the most visited and symbolic places of the General Cemetery of Quetzaltenango.
