Football icon Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed the 2026 World Cup will be his last and that he expects to retire from the sport within the next two years.
According to a report from Sports Illustrated (SI), legendary forward Cristiano Ronaldo has provided a major update on his future, stating that the 2026 World Cup will be his final appearance in the tournament.
The 2016 European champion is hoping to add the greatest international honour to his trophy cabinet at what is slated to be his sixth World Cup.
Ronaldo, who currently plays for Al Nassr, is one of only eight players to share the record of five tournament appearances, and he is set to move ahead of the rest alongside long-time rival Lionel Messi at the next summer’s event.
Speaking to CNN, the Portuguese star confirmed that a seventh World Cup is not in his plans, explicitly stating that the 2026 iteration will “definitely” be his last.
The 40-year-old also admitted that he does not expect to be playing by 2030, predicting his retirement will occur within the next two years.
“I feel very good in this moment, I score goals, I still feel quick and sharp, I enjoy my game in the national team and with Al Nassr, but of course, let’s be honest, when I mean soon… probably one, two years I’ll still be in the game,”
Ronaldo stated, adding, “I don’t know yet, but when I mean soon, it’s really soon. I give everything for football. I’ve been in the game for the last 25 years.
I did everything, I have many records in the different scenarios in the clubs and also in the national teams. I’m really proud, so let’s enjoy the moment, live the moment.”
The article also noted that Ronaldo’s son, Cristiano Jr., recently scored his first goal for Portugal’s Under-16 side.
Regarding his son’s potential future, Ronaldo provided an additional quote: “Human beings, we don’t want nobody being better than us.
But in my point, I wish my kids will be better than me, I’m never going to be jealous of him, trust me. As a father, I’m here to help him to be whatever he wants to be.”