Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed that the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the final World Cup of his illustrious career.
Speaking to reporters ahead of Portugal’s Round of 16 clash against Spain on Sunday, the 41-year-old admitted the tournament would be his last appearance on football’s biggest stage.
“This will be my last World Cup, but let’s hope tomorrow isn’t my last game,” Ronaldo said.
The veteran forward added that he was satisfied with his performances in the tournament so far, having already scored three goals.
“I don’t think I have had a bad World Cup. I have already scored three goals. Let’s see if I can score another tomorrow,” he said.
Ronaldo scored twice against Uzbekistan during the group stage before converting a penalty against Croatia in the Round of 32, marking his first-ever World Cup knockout-stage goal.
The Portuguese star has now scored in six consecutive World Cup tournaments since making his debut in Germany in 2006, becoming the first player in history to achieve the feat. He has also netted 11 World Cup goals across six editions of the competition.
When asked about retirement, Ronaldo stressed that the decision would be entirely his own.
“Whether I am playing or not, I will always have an important role with this national team. I will finish when I decide to finish, as I said years ago.
“To be honest, whatever happens tomorrow, I will leave with a clear conscience—not 100 per cent, but 1,000 per cent—because I’ve given everything to football,” he said.
Ronaldo has made a record 232 appearances for Portugal and scored an unprecedented 146 international goals during his remarkable career.
As captain, he led Portugal to its first major international title at Euro 2016 before lifting the UEFA Nations League trophies in 2019 and 2025.
Reflecting on the tournament, Ronaldo became emotional as he spoke about the support he has received from football fans around the world.
“This World Cup has been marked by the passion of the people. Not only our passion to play in a competition of this magnitude, but also the passion of football fans everywhere.
“This morning at breakfast I met people from Venezuela and Colombia who told me their stories. Many of them had tears in their eyes when they looked at me. That is what really matters. That is what life is about,” he said.
