Cristiano Ronaldo has officially confirmed that the 2026 World Cup will mark the end of his international career. The Portugal striker, who turns 41 during the tournament, said this would be his final appearance on football’s biggest stage and hinted that full retirement from the sport could follow shortly after. The legendary forward, who has scored an astonishing 953 goals for club and country, revealed his decision during an interview at the Tourism Summit in Riyadh. When asked if the 2026 World Cup would be his last, Ronaldo responded with certainty, saying: “Definitely, yes. I will be 41 years old, and I think this will be the right moment to step away from the big competition.” The upcoming World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States, will be Ronaldo’s sixth and final participation in the tournament. His extraordinary career already spans more than two decades, making him one of the most decorated and enduring players in football history.
Cristiano Ronaldo Confirms 2026 World Cup Will Be His Final Tournament
Currently playing for Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, Ronaldo remains the all-time leading men’s international goalscorer with 143 goals for Portugal. Despite his age, he continues to perform at a high level, regularly contributing goals and assists in both domestic and international fixtures. Ronaldo’s statement comes just a week after he hinted at retirement, saying he would “retire soon,” though he did not specify when. Now, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner has clarified his timeline, explaining that his playing career will likely continue for another one or two years. Let’s be honest, when I say soon, it’s probably one or two years more in the game, he explained, suggesting that the end of an era is approaching. Throughout his illustrious career, Ronaldo has achieved nearly every major milestone in football. From lifting league titles in England, Spain, and Italy to winning five UEFA Champions League trophies, his list of accomplishments is unparalleled. On the international stage, he guided Portugal to their first-ever European Championship victory in 2016 and later added the UEFA Nations League title in 2019.
However, one elusive prize remains missing from his trophy cabinet — the World Cup. Despite his remarkable career, Portugal has never managed to lift football’s most prestigious trophy during his time with the team. The 2026 edition could be his last opportunity to fulfill that lifelong dream. Portugal, under coach Roberto Martinez, has yet to secure qualification for the tournament but stands on the brink of doing so. A victory against the Republic of Ireland in their next match would guarantee their spot. If successful, it would give Ronaldo one final chance to represent his country on the global stage and perhaps add the only missing piece to his legendary legacy. As the football world looks ahead to the 2026 World Cup, fans and analysts alike are preparing to witness what could be the final chapter in Cristiano Ronaldo’s extraordinary career.
source:BBC
