Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo has announced that the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the last of his illustrious career, bringing an end to a remarkable journey on football’s biggest stage.
Speaking during the tournament, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner said he has made up his mind to bow out of the World Cup after this edition, describing the decision as final.
“I am enjoying this World Cup, the fans and the people. And it’s going to be my last World Cup for sure. The decision is made,” Ronaldo said.
The 41-year-old, who has represented Portugal in multiple World Cup tournaments and remains one of the greatest players in football history, said he is determined to savour every moment of his farewell appearance on the global stage.
Ronaldo also shared a light-hearted story involving an Argentine flight attendant, drawing laughter with his trademark humour despite the fierce football rivalry between Portugal and Argentina.
“On a flight, I knew one of the flight attendants was Argentine. Just by the way he looked at me. I told him: ‘Look, I know you’re Argentinian. You looked at me and looked away quickly… you don’t like me! But my wife is Argentine, don’t worry,'” he joked.
The announcement marks the beginning of the end of an extraordinary international career that has seen Ronaldo become Portugal’s all-time leading scorer and captain, winning major honours while breaking numerous records.
As Portugal continue their quest for World Cup glory, fans around the world will now watch knowing that the tournament represents Ronaldo’s final appearance on football’s grandest stage, closing the curtain on one of the sport’s greatest careers.
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