Portugal’s legendary forward Cristiano Ronaldo has officially confirmed that the 2026 FIFA World Cup will mark his final appearance on football’s grandest stage. The 40-year-old striker, who has amassed an extraordinary 953 goals for club and country, revealed the decision in an interview with CNN, acknowledging that age and timing have played their part.
“Definitely, yes. I will be 41 years old and I think [this] will be the moment in the big competition,” Ronaldo said, referring to the tournament scheduled to take place across Canada, Mexico, and the United States. It will be the sixth World Cup of his illustrious career, an unprecedented feat for one of the sport’s most decorated athletes.
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 remarkable longevity, the forward admitted the end of his career is approaching. “Let’s be honest, when I mean soon, it’s probably one or two years I’ll still be at the game,” he explained, signalling that retirement from professional football could come shortly after the tournament.
Ronaldo, who has represented some of the world’s biggest clubs including Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus, continues to chase an elusive personal milestone—1,000 career goals. While his list of achievements includes five Ballon d’Or awards and multiple league titles, the World Cup remains one of the few major trophies missing from his collection.
The Portuguese captain led his nation to European Championship glory in 2016, a historic triumph that remains one of the defining moments of his international career. Yet, the quest for World Cup success has eluded him across two decades of dominance on the global stage.
Portugal, managed by Roberto Martinez, have not yet secured qualification for the 2026 tournament but could confirm their place with a victory over the Republic of Ireland on Thursday. Should they advance, Ronaldo will once again carry the hopes of a nation eager to see its talisman bow out in glory.
As he prepares for what could be his final chapter in football, Ronaldo’s focus remains unwavering. His words, laced with both realism and resolve, capture the sentiment of a player who has defined an era and is now preparing to take his final bow on the world stage.
