2026 World Cup will be my last – Ronaldo

Portuguese football legend Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed that the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the final World Cup appearance of his illustrious career.

Speaking on Tuesday, the 40-year-old icon — who has scored over 950 career goals for club and country — revealed that he is nearing the end of his football journey.

Ronaldo added that he expects to retire from professional football in “one or two years”, signaling a close to one of the greatest careers the sport has ever witnessed.

“Definitely, yes,” he told a Saudi forum by video link, when asked if 2026 would be his World Cup swansong. “I’m gonna be 41 years old and I think it will be the moment.”

Ronaldo, who began a lucrative stint at Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr in 2023, also elaborated on comments last week when he said he would retire “soon”.

“Let’s be honest, when I mean soon, it’s probably one or two years I’ll still be at the game,” he said.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner is targeting a sixth World Cup next year. He came closest to lifting the trophy in 2006, when Portugal lost to France in the semi-finals.

Portugal have yet to qualify for the 2026 tournament in the USA, Canada and Mexico, but can secure their spot if they beat Ireland on Thursday.

Ronaldo joined Al Nassr after leaving Manchester United for a second time in late 2022, a move that heralded a influx of late-career stars to the oil-rich kingdom.

Saudi Arabia, which is spending big on sports and entertainment as part of its economic diversification plan, was named as host of the 2034 World Cup last December.