Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has officially announced that the 2026 FIFA World Cup will “definitely” be his last, marking the approaching end of his illustrious football journey.
Speaking via video link at a Saudi forum on Tuesday, the 40-year-old Al Nassr forward, who has scored over 950 career goals, said he plans to retire from football within “one or two years.”
“Definitely, yes,” Ronaldo said when asked if the next World Cup would be his final. “I’m going to be 41 years old, and I think it will be the moment.”
Ronaldo, who joined Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr in 2023, reiterated that his retirement is drawing near. “Let’s be honest—when I say soon, it’s probably one or two years I’ll still be at the game,” he added.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner hopes to appear in his sixth World Cup, having come closest to winning the trophy in 2006 when Portugal lost in the semi-finals. Portugal can secure qualification for 2026 with a victory against Ireland on Thursday.
Last month, Ronaldo became the top goalscorer in World Cup qualifying history with 41 goals, surpassing Guatemala’s Carlos Ruiz. He also remains the all-time leading international scorer with 143 goals.
In a recent interview with Piers Morgan, Ronaldo admitted that stepping away from football will be emotionally challenging. “It will be difficult—yes. Probably will cry—yes. I’m an open person. It will be very, very difficult,” he confessed.
After leaving Manchester United in late 2022, Ronaldo’s move to Al Nassr sparked a wave of high-profile transfers to Saudi clubs. His contract, worth about €200 million annually, was extended in June.
Named by Bloomberg as football’s first billionaire and topping Forbes’ list of highest-paid players, Ronaldo reportedly earns $280 million annually—more than double that of Lionel Messi.
As Saudi Arabia prepares to host the 2034 World Cup, Ronaldo’s final bow in 2026 will mark the end of an era for one of the sport’s greatest icons.
