Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed that the 2026 World Cup will be his final tournament as a player. The 41-year-old forward spoke at a press conference on Monday, July 6, 2026, ahead of Portugal's last-16 clash against Spain in Dallas, expressing his desire to enjoy the competition without it being his farewell match.
Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup Journey
Ronaldo, Portugal's all-time leading goalscorer with 146 goals in 232 appearances, has made history by becoming the first player to score in six different World Cups. He stated, "Let this be my last World Cup; it is my last World Cup, and I hope tomorrow won't be my last match." His comments were met with applause from journalists present.
Despite facing criticism for his performance in the tournament, Ronaldo managed to score three goals so far, including a double against Uzbekistan and a penalty against Croatia. He emphasized the importance of enjoying each match at such a prestigious event.
Ronaldo's Legacy in Football
Having played for clubs like Manchester United and Real Madrid, Ronaldo's legacy is firmly established. He mentioned, "I have given all I could to football, it's my passion to play for so many years." His long career has been marked by numerous accolades, and he aims to leave the sport with a clear conscience.
