Cristiano Ronaldo Set for Last World Cup Run
Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed that the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the final World Cup appearance of his remarkable career, bringing an end to a journey that has spanned more than two decades in international football.
Speaking ahead of Portugal’s Round of 16 clash, the 41-year-old admitted that the tournament marks the closing chapter of his World Cup story.
“This will be my last World Cup. God willing, tomorrow is not my last game,” Ronaldo said.
Should Portugal be eliminated, it would end an extraordinary international career that began 23 years ago when Ronaldo made his debut as a substitute against Kazakhstan in Chaves. Since then, he has represented Portugal in 232 matches, scored 146 international goals, and competed in six World Cups.
Despite never winning football’s biggest prize, Ronaldo insisted his legacy does not depend on lifting the World Cup trophy.
“I’m not missing anything. God has been generous to me. I won’t be more Cristiano or less Cristiano if I win the World Cup or not.”
Reflecting on his career, Ronaldo said he has no regrets and believes he has given everything to the game.
“Whatever happens tomorrow, I will leave with a clear conscience—1,000%—because I have given everything to football. I don’t play because I need it; I play because I love it.”
The Portuguese captain also dismissed the criticism that has followed him throughout his career, saying it has only made him stronger.
“They’ve tried to kill me for 23 years. There’s no point paying too much attention to it. It’s part of football. I’m thankful even for the attacks because they’ve helped me grow as a person.”
Ronaldo also pointed to his performances at the tournament, joking that scoring three goals is proof he is “not doing too badly.”
Although he initially tried to shift attention away from his future, insisting that Portugal’s progress mattered more than personal milestones, his confirmation left little doubt that the end of an era is approaching.
If Portugal continue their World Cup campaign, Ronaldo’s farewell will be delayed. If not, one of football’s greatest careers will conclude on the sport’s biggest stage, leaving behind a legacy defined by longevity, records, and an unwavering passion for the game.
