Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed that the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the last of his illustrious career, while making it clear that he has no immediate plans to retire from international football.
Speaking ahead of Portugal’s Round of 16 clash against Spain, the 41-year-old said he would continue representing his country until he decides otherwise.
“This will be my last World Cup, but let’s hope tomorrow isn’t my last game,” Ronaldo said. “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.”
Ronaldo has scored twice against Uzbekistan in the group stage and added a penalty against Croatia in the Round of 32 — his first goal in the knockout stages of a World Cup. He has now scored at six consecutive World Cups since making his tournament debut in 2006, becoming the first player to achieve the feat. His tally of 11 World Cup goals also extends his remarkable record on the sport’s biggest stage.
Asked about retirement, Ronaldo said the decision would be entirely his.
“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. Whatever happens tomorrow, I will leave with a clear conscience because I’ve given everything to football,” he said.
Ronaldo has made 232 appearances for Portugal and scored a record 146 international goals. He captained the national team to its maiden major title at Euro 2016 and also lifted the UEFA Nations League trophies in 2019 and 2025.
Reflecting on the tournament, Ronaldo said the support he has received from fans across the world has been one of its defining memories.
“This World Cup has been marked by the passion of the people. 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.
Across club and international football, Ronaldo has scored 976 career goals and is closing in on the unprecedented milestone of 1,000 goals.
(IANS)
