The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the final time that Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo plays for the national team. Therefore, this marks the end of a glittering international career spanning over twenty years.
On Tuesday, the 40-year-old Al-Nassr striker said in a Saudi forum that his career was nearing its end, suggesting his retirement. Yes, definitely, yes, he said when it was his last World Cup. I will be 41 years old and I believe that it will be the time.
Ronaldo, who has scored over 950 goals in his career, noted that his retirement from the game will probably mark one or two years. In spite of his old age, he is still willing to play and compete at the highest level, trying to make history as the only player who has ever played six World Cups.
Portugal, which is on the verge of qualifying for the 2026 tournament in North America, still needs their experienced leader. Ronaldo is the highest-ranked goal-scorer internationally (143) and the most recent to reach the top spot in World Cup qualifiers, with 41 goals.
When he was thinking about retirement, he said to Piers Morgan that it would be a very emotional experience and he anticipates the moment he will be in tears. “It will be difficult, yes. Probably I’ll cry, yes. I’m a sociable man–it will be extremely hard.
In 2023, the transfer of Ronaldo to Saudi Arabia turned into a new age in the football of the Middle East. His wealthy European annual deal of about 200 million with Al Nassr and his international own influence have aided in enhancing the global image of Saudi football before the world cup 2034, which the kingdom will be hosting.
Ronaldo is still the highest paid footballer in the world according to Forbes, making an estimated of 280 million in 2024. When the legend bows out in 2026, the farewell will be a very emotional moment in the history of football.
