Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – November 11, 2025 – In a poignant revelation that sent ripples through the global football community, Portuguese icon Cristiano Ronaldo confirmed on Tuesday that the 2026 FIFA World Cup will mark his swansong on the international stage, capping a career that has redefined excellence in the sport. The 40-year-old forward, widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, elaborated during a video interview at the Tourise World Tourism Summit in Riyadh, stating that he anticipates retiring from professional football entirely within "one or two years." Speaking candidly to CNN's Becky Anderson via video link from Portugal's national team camp, Ronaldo reflected on his extraordinary journey, emphasizing his desire to savor the remaining moments while prioritizing family time post-retirement.
"Definitely, yes," Ronaldo affirmed when asked if the 2026 tournament would be his last World Cup, adding, "I’m gonna be 41 years old and I think it will be the moment." This announcement builds on comments he made just last week during an interview with British broadcaster Piers Morgan, where he first hinted at an impending exit by saying he would retire "soon." Clarifying the timeline, the Al-Nassr star quipped, "Let’s be honest, when I mean soon, it’s probably one or two years I’ll still be at the game," before joking that "soon for me means in 10 years" – a lighthearted nod to his enduring vitality on the pitch. At 40, Ronaldo remains a physical marvel, boasting over 950 career goals across club and international football, a tally that includes a world-record 143 strikes for Portugal alone. He has openly set his sights on reaching the historic milestone of 1,000 goals before hanging up his boots, a feat that would further etch his name into football folklore.
Ronaldo's path to this crossroads has been nothing short of legendary. Born on February 5, 1985, in Funchal, Madeira, he burst onto the scene as a teenager with Sporting CP in 2002, dazzling scouts with his raw pace, skill, and unyielding work ethic. His transfer to Manchester United in 2003 for £12.24 million marked the beginning of a trophy-laden odyssey. Under Sir Alex Ferguson, Ronaldo evolved from a flamboyant winger into a prolific goal machine, securing three Premier League titles, one UEFA Champions League crown, and his first Ballon d'Or in 2008. His 2008-2009 season, where he netted 42 goals in all competitions, remains a benchmark for dominance.
The Portuguese phenom's zenith arguably came during his nine-year spell at Real Madrid, starting in 2009 for a then-world-record €94 million fee. There, Ronaldo shattered records en masse: 450 goals in 438 appearances, four more Champions League triumphs (2014, 2016, 2017, 2018), two La Liga titles, and four additional Ballon d'Or awards (2013, 2014, 2016, 2017), bringing his total to five – tied with eternal rival Lionel Messi. Iconic moments abound, from his bicycle-kick stunner against Juventus in 2018 to his Champions League final hat-trick against Atlético Madrid in 2017. Internationally, Ronaldo led Portugal to Euro 2016 glory, their first major trophy, despite limping off injured in the final against France – a testament to his captaincy and resilience. He added the 2019 UEFA Nations League title, cementing his legacy as Portugal's most-capped (225 appearances) and highest-scoring player.
Yet, the one glaring omission from Ronaldo's cabinet is the FIFA World Cup. His closest brush came in 2006, when Portugal fell 1-0 to France in the semi-finals in Germany, with a young Ronaldo in tears on the sidelines. Subsequent campaigns – 2010, 2014, 2018, and 2022 – yielded group-stage exits or quarter-final heartbreaks, including a penalty-shootout loss to Morocco in Qatar last alignment, where Ronaldo was benched for parts of the tournament. Now, with the 2026 edition – an unprecedented 48-team extravaganza co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, kicking off June 11 in Mexico City – Ronaldo eyes a fairy-tale farewell. Should he feature, it would be his record-extending sixth World Cup, matching Messi's tally and offering a final shot at global immortality.
For Portugal, the immediate focus is qualification. Already atop their UEFA group, the Seleção can seal their spot with a victory over the Republic of Ireland in Dublin on Thursday, November 13. Ronaldo, who has scored five goals in four qualifiers this cycle, extending his international record, remains indispensable under coach Roberto Martínez. Martínez has defended Ronaldo's selection amid debates over his form, insisting the veteran's experience and leadership are irreplaceable. A win against Ireland would not only book Portugal's ticket but also allow Ronaldo to channel his energies into what he hopes will be a triumphant send-off.
Club-wise, Ronaldo's current chapter unfolds in the Saudi Pro League with Al-Nassr, a move he made in January 2023 following an acrimonious second departure from Manchester United in late 2022. His £200 million-a-year contract, extended through 2027 in June 2025, has seen him score prolifically – 10 goals in 11 appearances this season alone, helping Al-Nassr to the top of the table with a perfect 24 points from eight games. The transfer was a harbinger of Saudi Arabia's ambitious Vision 2030 diversification strategy, which allocates billions to sports and entertainment to pivot from oil dependency. Ronaldo's arrival triggered a star-studded influx, including Neymar to Al-Hilal and Karim Benzema to Al-Ittihad, boosting league attendance by 30% and global viewership. Saudi Arabia's successful bid to host the 2034 World Cup in December 2024 underscores this commitment, positioning the kingdom as a football powerhouse.
Beyond the pitch, Ronaldo's influence is multifaceted. His CR7 brand empire – encompassing hotels, clothing lines, and fragrances – generates over €200 million annually, while his 700 million-plus social media followers make him the most-followed athlete ever. Philanthropically, he has donated millions to causes like children's hospitals and disaster relief, including €1.5 million for Palestinian aid in 2023. Personally, Ronaldo is a father of five, including son Cristiano Jr., 15, who is emerging as a promising talent in Portugal's U-16 setup. In the interview, Ronaldo expressed hope that his son surpasses him: "I hope he can be better than me on the pitch."
Reactions to Ronaldo's announcement poured in swiftly on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano shared a clip of the interview, garnering over 46,000 likes and prompting tributes like "Legend Cristiano, your 25 yrs of brilliance have inspired millions!" from users worldwide. Sports outlet BeanymanSports posted a video excerpt, amassing 2,000 views in hours, with fans lamenting, "The GOAT's final chapter – bittersweet." Chelsea fan account ChelsHub noted the emotional weight, while global outlets like Life & Style and Nayi Khabar amplified the story, highlighting Ronaldo's enduring appeal.
As Ronaldo prepares for Thursday's qualifier, the football world pauses to honor a career of unparalleled achievement. With 25 years of "giving everything," as he put it, the Madeira native leaves an indelible mark: 35 senior trophies, five Ballons d'Or, and a blueprint for relentless pursuit. Whether 2026 delivers the World Cup dream or not, Ronaldo's legacy is secure – a beacon for generations. "I’m really proud," he said. "So let’s enjoy the moment, live the moment." For fans, that moment feels all too fleeting.
