Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo has announced that the 2026 World Cup will be his last.
The 41-year-old made his first World Cup appearance back in 2006, and became the first player ever to score a goal in six World Cups during Portugal’s victory over Uzbekistan in the group stage.
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As he spoke to reporters on Sunday ahead of Portugal’s Round of 16 battle with Spain, he confirmed he’s in his final World Cup, while noting that he’s not fully retiring yet.
“I want to enjoy it as much as possible, because it will be my last World Cup, yes,” Ronaldo said, via OneFootball. “But I hope that tomorrow won’t be my last game in the World Cup. … I’ll [retire] when I want to, not when you want me to. … The most important thing is tomorrow.”
Ronaldo’s storied career places him among the greatest players of all time. He’s spent time as the leader of clubs like Real Madrid and Juventus, while currently playing for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia.
Across his career, he’s scored an astounding 976 goals. As he prepares to help Portugal take on Spain Monday afternoon, Ronaldo is grateful for his life as a whole.
“I’m not lacking anything in life,” he said. “I’m not going to be more, or less, Cristiano because I win the World Cup. We have the qualities to win, but only one country can win it… Age gives you maturity and experience.”
James Parker is a sports writer for Ball Exclusives, follow him on X @TheJames_Parker
