Cristiano Ronaldo has officially confirmed that the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be his final appearance on football’s biggest stage. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner, who has represented Portugal in every World Cup since 2006, acknowledged that age will ultimately influence his decision to retire from the tournament after the next edition.
In an interview shared by CNN, the Al-Nassr forward reflected candidly on the closing chapter of his legendary career. While reaffirming his dedication to continue playing for a few more years, the 40-year-old admitted that the 2026 World Cup would be a fitting finale to his remarkable international journey.
Cristiano Ronaldo Opens Up About Retirement Plans And His Final Al-Nassr Contract
During the interview, CNN’s Becky Anderson asked the Portuguese captain whether the 2026 tournament in North America would be his last. The former Real Madrid player responded with clarity: “Definitely, yes. I’m gonna be 41 years old, and I think it will be the moment. Let’s be honest, when I mean soon, it’s probably one or two years, I’ll still be at the game.”
Cristiano Ronaldo says that not only will next summer's World Cup be his last, but he may also retire in the next one or two years 🥲
— B/R Football (@brfootball) November 11, 2025
(via @cnnsport) pic.twitter.com/RmDMwK3KFs
The veteran striker also announced that he has extended his contract with Al-Nassr until 2027, describing it as his final professional agreement. “I’m close to calling it time on my career,” Ronaldo said, hinting that the next two years will likely mark the conclusion of his legendary playing journey.
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Former Portugal coach Hugo Oliveira also expressed optimism about Ronaldo’s final World Cup run during a conversation with Ojogo earlier this year. He stated, “(Ronaldo) is still hungry. He’s hungry. He was a young lad (in 2010) and now he’s the same. That mentality can be contagious in the Portuguese national team.”
He added, “Perhaps his last World Cup could be an incredible way for him to finish his international games for Portugal. I think we have a generation that has to fight for the competition. We are one of the top five teams that will fight to win the competition.”
Ronaldo’s best World Cup finish came in 2006, when Portugal reached the semifinals in Germany. Nearly two decades later, the football icon is determined to lead his nation on one final campaign, one that could further cement his legacy as Portugal’s greatest-ever player on the world stage.
Cristiano Ronaldo Reflects on His Legacy, Family Life, and Saudi Arabia’s Football Revolution
Cristiano Ronaldo weighed in on his time in Saudi Arabia and said that it has given him a fresh sense of direction, both on and off the pitch. Speaking at the TOURISE Global Tourism Conference in Riyadh, the Al Nassr and Portugal captain described how his three years in the Kingdom have shaped his outlook and deepened his appreciation for the country’s rapid transformation.
For the unversed, Ronaldo’s arrival at Al Nassr in 2023 was a watershed moment for Saudi football, igniting global attention and paving the way for a wave of international stars to join the Saudi Pro League. Reflecting on the journey, he said: “I believe in (Saudi) football, I believe in the people, I believe in the league. They have huge potential for the present and for the future.”
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The 40-year-old also spoke warmly about finding peace and balance in everyday life. “My family is also very happy. The country is brilliant. I love it here,” he said, noting that he feels at home exploring destinations like AlUla and the Red Sea, where he can relax away from the public eye.
Still leading by example, Ronaldo continues to be a driving force for Al Nassr, who currently sit atop the league table. Even after more than two decades at the highest level, his motivation shows no signs of fading. The former Manchester United and Real Madrid star reaffirmed that the 2026 FIFA World Cup will mark the end of his international career, while emphasizing his long-term commitment to Saudi Arabia’s growing football vision.
