Boluwatife Kehinde
Cristiano Ronaldo has announced that the 2026 World Cup will mark his final appearance on football’s grandest stage.
The 40-year-old, five-time Ballon d’Or winner, is aiming for his sixth World Cup, even though Portugal has yet to secure qualification as they await to take Ireland on Thursday.
During a Saudi-hosted global forum on tourism and investment, Ronaldo was asked if the 2026 World Cup would be his last.
He responded with certainty: “Definitely, yes. I’ll be 41 years old, and I think that will be the moment.”
Speaking with his usual humor, he added: “When I say soon, I mean in 10 years… just kidding. I’m enjoying the moment. In football, once you reach a certain age, you start counting the months quickly.”
He continued: “I feel strong, I’m still scoring, and I feel quick and sharp. I enjoy playing for the national team. But honestly, by ‘soon,’ I probably mean one or two years.”
With Portugal on the brink of qualifying for the 2026 tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, Ronaldo reiterated that it will be his final World Cup.
Reflecting on his career since joining Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia in 2023, he said: “I’ve given everything to football over the last 25 years. I’ve broken many records at clubs and with the national team. I’m proud, and now it’s time to enjoy the moment.”
Ronaldo also spoke about his son, Cristiano Jr., who is making his mark with Portugal’s Under-16 team:
“As humans, we don’t always want someone to surpass us. But I hope my son does. I’ll never feel jealous of him. I don’t want to pressure him—my priority is for him to be happy. Whether he chooses football or another path, he should be free. Times have changed, and the younger generation thinks differently. As a father, I’ll support him in whatever he chooses.”
