It’s the end of an era — almost.
Cristiano Ronaldo has officially confirmed that the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be his last, marking the closing chapter of one of football’s most extraordinary careers.
At
40 years old, the Portuguese icon remains as driven as ever, but even the greats know when the curtain is nearing.
Speaking via video link at a Saudi forum hosted by Al-Arabiya, the Al-Nassr superstar admitted that the next World Cup will be his final shot at the one trophy that has eluded him.
كريستيانو رونالدو في منتدى Tourise:
. اكتشف الجميع أنني كنت على حق حين انتقلت للسعودية
. لدي إيمان بقدرة وطموح مشروع التطوير السعودي
. استمتع بكل لحظة حاليا وعندما أتحدث عن التقاعد قد يعني ذلك بعد عامين#قناة_العربية #السعودية pic.twitter.com/7W8SYH0TFO— العربية السعودية (@AlArabiya_KSA) November 11, 2025
“Definitely, yes,” Ronaldo said when asked if 2026 would be his last. “I’m going to be 41 years old, and I think it will be the moment.”
Ronaldo’s glittering résumé needs little introduction: five Ballon d’Ors, five Champions League titles, and countless domestic crowns with Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus. On the international stage, he has led Portugal to Euro 2016 glory and lifted the UEFA Nations League in 2019 and 2025.
His numbers defy belief: 143 goals in 225 appearances for Portugal, both world records in men’s international football. And yet, for all his triumphs, the World Cup remains the one missing piece in his legendary career.
With the 2026 tournament in North America fast approaching, Ronaldo knows this is his final chance to capture the crown. Still, he’s not ready to hang up his boots just yet.
The forward revealed he plans to continue competing at the highest level for “another year or two” before considering retirement.
In typical Ronaldo fashion, he’s also chasing one last historic milestone — becoming the first player ever to score 1,000 career goals. The tally currently stands within reach, and the 2026 World Cup could be where he seals it.
