Portuguese football legend Cristiano Ronaldo announced on Tuesday, November 11, that the 2026 FIFA World Cupwill mark his final appearance at the tournament, signaling the approaching end of one of football’s most illustrious careers.
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 the next 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 last. “I’m going to be 41 years old, and I think that will be the right moment.”
Ronaldo, who joined Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia in 2023, expanded on remarks he made last week about stepping away from the sport soon.
“Let’s be honest — when I say soon, I mean probably one or two more years in the game,” he explained.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner, who has played in five previous World Cups, is aiming to make a sixth appearanceat the 2026 edition. His best result came in 2006, when Portugal reached the semi-finals before losing to France.
Portugal are yet to officially qualify for the tournament, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, but they can book their place with a win over Ireland on Thursday.
Ronaldo’s move to Al Nassr in late 2022, following his departure from Manchester United, helped pave the way for several global stars to join the Saudi league. The oil-rich nation, investing heavily in sports and entertainment as part of its diversification strategy, was confirmed as the host of the 2034 World Cup last December.
