Portuguese football legend Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed that next year’s World Cup will mark his final appearance at the global showpiece, as he approaches the twilight of his remarkable career.
The 40-year-old forward, who has scored over 950 goals for club and country, revealed that he plans to retire from football within “one or two years.”
“Definitely, yes,” Ronaldo said via video link at a Saudi forum when asked if the 2026 tournament would be his World Cup swansong. “I’m going to be 41 years old, and I think it will be the right moment.”
Ronaldo, who joined Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr in 2023, also clarified recent remarks in which he hinted at retiring “soon.”
“To be honest, when I say soon, it probably means one or two more years in the game,” he explained.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner is aiming to appear in his sixth World Cup — a record for an outfield player. His closest attempt at winning the trophy came in 2006, when Portugal fell to France in the semi-finals.
Portugal are yet to secure qualification for the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico, but could confirm their spot with a win over Ireland on Thursday.
Ronaldo’s move to Al Nassr after leaving Manchester United in late 2022 sparked a wave of high-profile transfers to Saudi Arabia, as the kingdom ramps up investment in sports and entertainment under its economic diversification strategy.
Saudi Arabia was officially named host of the 2034 FIFA World Cup last December.
