Portuguese football legend Cristiano Ronaldo has announced that the 2026 FIFA World Cup will mark the end of his storied international career, as he prepares to wind down one of the greatest runs in football history.
Speaking via video link at a Saudi forum on Tuesday, November 11, the 40-year-old forward — who has scored over 950 career goals for club and country — said he expects to retire from professional football within “one or two years.”
“Definitely, yes,” Ronaldo said when asked if the 2026 World Cup would be his last. “I’m gonna be 41 years old, and I think it will be the moment.”
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner currently plays for Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, having joined the club in 2023 after departing Manchester United for a second time. His move helped spark a wave of high-profile transfers to the Saudi Pro League as part of the country’s broader investment in global sports and entertainment.
Ronaldo clarified his earlier remarks about retiring “soon,” saying:
“Let’s be honest, when I mean soon, it’s probably one or two years I’ll still be at the game.”
A veteran of five World Cups, Ronaldo is targeting a sixth appearance at next year’s tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. His closest attempt at lifting the trophy came in 2006, when Portugal reached the semi-finals before losing to France.
Portugal have yet to confirm qualification for 2026 but could secure their spot with a win against Ireland on Thursday.
Ronaldo’s announcement signals the approaching end of an era for international football — and for a player whose legacy has redefined the modern game.
