Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, on Tuesday, confirmed that next year’s World Cup will be his final appearance on football’s biggest stage, signalling the winding down of one of the sport’s most illustrious careers.
The 40-year-old forward, who has scored more than 950 goals for club and country, also revealed that he plans to retire from football in “one or two years.”
When asked during a video link at a Saudi-hosted global forum on tourism and investment whether the 2026 World Cup would be his final appearance, he replied, “Definitely, yes. I’m going to be 41 years old, and I think it will be the moment.”
Ronaldo, speaking with his characteristic humour, added, “Soon for me means in 10 years… No, I’m joking. I’m really enjoying the moment right now. As you know, in football, when you reach a certain age, you count the months very quickly.
“I feel very good at this moment. I score goals, and I still feel quick and sharp. I’m enjoying my game in the national team. But of course, let’s be honest. What I mean by soon is probably one or two years.”
With Portugal on the verge of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, Ronaldo confirmed that the tournament will mark his final World Cup appearance.
Reflecting on his career since joining Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr in 2023, Ronaldo elaborated on his earlier comments about retiring “soon”:
“Let’s be honest, when I say soon, it’s probably one or two years. I’ll still be in the game. Definitely, yes, because I will be 41 years old (at the World Cup).
“I gave everything for football. I’ve been in the game for the last 25 years. I did everything, I have many records in different scenarios at clubs and also with the national team. I’m really proud. So let’s enjoy the moment, live the moment.”
Ronaldo also spoke about his son, Cristiano Jr, who is following in his footsteps with the Portugal Under-16 team:
“As human beings, we don’t always want anybody to be better than us. But I wish my kids would be better than me. I’m never going to be jealous of him.
“I don’t want to add pressure to that, because what I want for him is to be happy. It doesn’t matter if he wants to play football or another sport. Be happy, be free. Don’t be under the pressure of your daddy because that is a lot.
“This is a new generation, a different generation. They think differently, they live differently. But as a father, I’m here to help him be whatever he wants to be. I will be his support.”
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner is targeting a sixth World Cup next year.
His closest attempt to lift the trophy came in 2006, when Portugal were defeated by France in the semi-finals.
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Portugal have yet to qualify for the 2026 tournament but can secure their place with a win over Ireland on Thursday.
