Football icon Cristiano Ronaldo shared a major announcement on Tuesday. He indicated that the 2026 World Cup is highly likely to be his final appearance at the international tournament. The Portuguese star will turn 41 years old during the competition.
Ronaldo delivered the news during a tourism conference held in Saudi Arabia. He participated in the event via videolink from the current training camp of the Portuguese national squad.
Setting a Retirement Horizon
When fielding questions about his professional retirement, Ronaldo provided a definitive estimate. He clarified his use of the word “soon.” He suggested his playing career would likely conclude within “probably one, two years.”
“Definitely, yes, because I will be 41 years old,” Ronaldo stated about the tournament. The 2026 event will be jointly hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
The Portuguese team is on the verge of securing qualification for the tournament. The squad requires only two points from its last remaining qualifying matches. Portugal is scheduled to face Ireland on Thursday. They will then host Armenia on Sunday.
Ronaldo has proven essential throughout the qualification rounds. His five goals scored across four games have pushed his tally to a men’s world record of 143 goals for the national team.
“I feel very good in this moment,” he said about his present performance. “I score goals, I still feel quick and sharp, I’m enjoying my game in the national team.”
A Record Shared with a Rival
Ronaldo elaborated on his perspective on ending his playing days. “Let’s be honest, when I mean soon I mean probably one, two years,” he reiterated. “I’m enjoying the moment. But when I mean soon, it’s really soon.” He concluded: “I give everything for football. I’m in the game for the last 25 years, I did everything.”
Reflecting on his accomplishments, he emphasized his pride. “I have many records. I’m really proud. So let’s enjoy the moment, live the moment.”
Both the Portuguese legend and his long-time competitor, Lionel Messi, are poised to achieve a joint record of competing in six World Cups in 2026.
This would surpass the five appearances held by German icon Lothar Matthäus, who played in every tournament from 1982 to 1998.
Argentina’s captain, Messi, will enter the tournament as the defending champion. He is set to celebrate his 39th birthday during the North American group stage. Interestingly, both Portugal and Argentina are among the potential co-hosts for the 2030 World Cup.
This presents a unique opportunity for both global stars to potentially finish their World Cup careers on their home continent.
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