Ronaldo Confirms the End Is Near
Portuguese football legend Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed that the 2026 World Cup will be his last international tournament, marking the end of one of the greatest careers in football history.
Speaking at the Tourise Summit in Riyadh, the 40-year-old striker said he expects to retire from professional football “in one or two years.”
“Definitely, yes,” Ronaldo said when asked if 2026 would be his final World Cup. “I will be 41 years old, and I think that will be the moment to stop after a big competition.”
If selected, the tournament — which will be hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States — will be Ronaldo’s sixth World Cup, a record few players have ever reached.
A Career Full of Records and Glory
Ronaldo’s career is filled with incredible milestones. He has scored 953 career goals for club and country — more than any other player in football history — and holds the record for the most international goals by a male player with 143 for Portugal.
Over two decades, Ronaldo has represented some of the biggest clubs in the world — Sporting CP, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, and now Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia.
He has won:
- 5 Ballon d’Or awards
- 5 UEFA Champions League titles
- 7 league titles across four different countries
- The Euro 2016 and Nations League 2019 with Portugal
Despite all these achievements, one trophy has always escaped him — the FIFA World Cup. That final piece of silverware remains the only major title missing from his extraordinary collection.
Aiming for One Last Dance in 2026
Ronaldo’s confirmation comes as Portugal, under coach Roberto Martinez, continues its campaign to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
The team will secure its place in the tournament if they defeat the Republic of Ireland in their upcoming qualifier.
Ronaldo has been in fine form for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, continuing to score regularly even at age 40. His relentless work ethic, fitness, and motivation remain unmatched.
“Let’s be honest,” Ronaldo added. “When I say ‘soon,’ it’s probably one or two years more. I’ll still be in the game, but not for much longer.”
His words signal that while he’s not ready to step away just yet, the end is clearly in sight. For football fans worldwide, the 2026 World Cup may be the last chance to watch one of the game’s all-time greats on the biggest stage.
From Dreams to a Global Legacy
Ronaldo’s journey from a young boy in Madeira, Portugal, to a global superstar is one of football’s most inspiring stories.
He began as a skinny teenager at Sporting CP, caught the eye of Sir Alex Ferguson, and became a star at Manchester United.
From there, he made history at Real Madrid, where he scored an incredible 450 goals in 438 games, and later continued his success at Juventus.
Now, in Saudi Arabia with Al-Nassr, Ronaldo has expanded his influence beyond football. He has built a massive business empire, investing in fashion, fitness, hotels, and tech, while remaining one of the most marketable athletes in the world.
Even at 40, he maintains elite levels of fitness, showing no signs of slowing down physically — but mentally, he knows the time is coming.
“Everything in life has a beginning and an end,” Ronaldo once said. “I’ve achieved more than I dreamed, and I’m proud of that.”
The End of an Era
For football fans around the world, the 2026 World Cup will mark the end of an era.
Cristiano Ronaldo — the relentless competitor, the record-breaker, and the inspiration to millions — will take his final bow on the world stage.
Whether he finally lifts the World Cup trophy or not, his legacy as one of the greatest players of all time is already secure.
After more than 1,200 matches, 953 goals, and countless unforgettable moments, the next two years will be Ronaldo’s farewell tour — and the football world will be watching every step of the way.