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Is Christiano Ronaldo Retiring Soon? The Legendary Soccer Player Says the 2026 World Cup Will ‘Definitely’ Be His Last
Cristiano Ronaldo has given fans a big hint about his future, confirming that the 2026 World Cup will be his last — and retirement could be just a year or two away.
The soccer legend made the announcement during a CNN interview at a forum in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, Nov. 11, where he joined via video call while away with Portugal’s national team.
“Definitely, yes, because I will be 41 years old,” Ronaldo said when asked about the World Cup, leaving little doubt that next summer’s tournament will be his final international appearance.
This news comes just a week after Ronaldo sat down with Piers Morgan, hinting that retirement might be on the horizon. He joked, “Soon for me means in 10 years,” before clarifying, “I feel very good in this moment. I score goals, I still feel quick and sharp. I’m enjoying my game in the national team. But of course, let’s be honest. What I mean by soon, it’s probably one or two years.”
Ronaldo, who celebrates his birthday on Feb. 5, is currently signed with Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr until 2027. Over the course of his illustrious career, he’s scored more than 950 goals for club and country, making him the all-time men’s leader in goals scored.
Portugal fans are also watching the team’s qualification campaign closely. The squad could secure a World Cup spot during this FIFA international window, facing Ireland on Nov. 13 and hosting Armenia on Nov. 16. With 10 points from four Group F matches, Portugal needs just two more points to lock in their place at the tournament.
If Ronaldo makes it to the 2026 World Cup, he and Lionel Messi would become the first players to compete in six World Cups. Ronaldo’s past World Cup runs include a semifinal appearance in 2006, Round of 16 exits in 2010 and 2018, a group-stage exit in 2014, and a quarterfinal finish in 2022.
Messi, the 2022 World Cup winner, is also preparing for next summer’s tournament with Argentina, planning to announce his official participation after the 2026 MLS preseason.
The 2026 World Cup will be historic, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Matches kick off on June 11, 2026, in Mexico City, with the final set for July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
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