Portuguese football icon Cristiano Ronaldo has officially confirmed that
The 40-year-old forward, who currently plays for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia,
revealed that he plans to retire from football within the next one or two years.Speaking at the Tourism Summit in Riyadh, Ronaldo said:
“Definitely, yes. I will be 41 years old, and I think that will be the right moment
to end my journey in big competitions.”
The 2026 World Cup, set to be hosted across Canada, Mexico, and the United States,
will mark Ronaldo’s sixth and final appearance on football’s biggest stage. He already holds
the record for most international caps (225) and is the top-scoring male international player
with 143 goals for Portugal.
With an astonishing total of 953 career goals for club and country, Ronaldo continues
his pursuit of the historic 1,000-goal milestone. Despite his age, he remains a key
player for both club and country, inspiring younger generations with his relentless work ethic
and passion for the game.
The former Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus star
previously stated he would retire “soon,” but has now clarified that it will likely be within
the next two years.
“Let’s be honest, when I say soon, it’s probably one or two more years that I’ll still be in the game,”
Ronaldo admitted.
Although Ronaldo has lifted nearly every major trophy in his illustrious career — including the
Euro 2016 title with Portugal and five Ballon d’Or awards —
the World Cup remains one of the few honors missing from his cabinet.
Under the management of Roberto Martínez, Portugal are on the brink of qualifying
for the 2026 tournament and will secure their place if they defeat the Republic of Ireland
in Thursday’s qualifier.
Ronaldo’s Legacy: A Football Era Like No Other
Ronaldo’s announcement marks the beginning of the end for one of football’s greatest careers.
His dedication, discipline, and achievements have reshaped the modern era of football,
making him an inspiration both on and off the pitch.
As the world awaits his final World Cup appearance in 2026, fans across the globe are preparing
to witness the closing chapter of an extraordinary football journey.
