Portuguese football legend Cristiano Ronaldo announced on Tuesday, November 11, that next year’s World Cup will be his last, signaling the approaching end of one of the most illustrious careers in football history. The 40-year-old forward, who has scored over 950 goals for club and country, also revealed that he plans to retire from professional football within “one or two years.”
“Definitely, yes,” Ronaldo confirmed via video link at a Saudi forum when asked if the 2026 World Cup would be his final appearance at the tournament. “I’ll be 41 by then, and I think that will be the right time.” The Al Nassr star, who began his stint in Saudi Arabia in 2023, further clarified his recent remark about retiring “soon.” “Let’s be honest, when I say soon, I mean probably one or two more years in the game,” he said.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner, who has represented Portugal in five previous World Cups, hopes to make a record sixth appearance at the 2026 edition. His closest attempt at winning the trophy came in 2006, when Portugal lost to France in the semi-finals.Although Portugal has yet to secure qualification for the 2026 tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, they can confirm their place with a win over Ireland on Thursday.
Ronaldo joined Al Nassr in late 2022 after his second spell with Manchester United, a move that paved the way for several global football stars to join the Saudi Pro League. The oil-rich nation, investing heavily in sports and entertainment as part of its economic diversification drive, was officially confirmed as the host of the 2034 World Cup last December.
