Portuguese football legend Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed that the 2026 FIFA World Cup will mark his final appearance on the world stage.
The former Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus forward admitted that age is catching up with him and ruled out featuring in the 2030 edition of the tournament, by which time he would be 45.
Speaking ahead of Portugal’s World Cup qualifying match against Iceland, Ronaldo said he was nearing the end of his illustrious career.
“Definitely, yes. I’m going to be 41 years old and I think it will be the moment,” the Al-Nassr forward told reporters. “Let’s be honest, when I mean soon, it’s probably one or two years — I’ll still be at the game.”
Ronaldo, who remains under contract with Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr for two more years, described it as likely his final professional deal.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner is football’s all-time leading goalscorer, with over 900 official goals, and continues to chase the remarkable milestone of 1,000 career goals.
