Rafael Nogueira
Portugal legend Cristiano Ronaldo has officially confirmed that the 2026 FIFA World Cup will mark the final chapter of his illustrious international career. Speaking with CNN’s Becky Anderson at the Tourism Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner said the upcoming World Cup will “definitely” be his last appearance on football’s grandest stage.
“I will be 41 years old, and I think that will be the moment in the big competition,” Ronaldo told CNN. “I’m enjoying the moment, but when I say soon, it’s really soon — I’ve given everything for football.”
The 40-year-old forward reflected on a career spanning more than two decades, during which he became the all-time leading goalscorer in international football with 143 goals for Portugal. He remains the only male player to score in five different World Cups — a record that cements his place in the sport’s history books.
“I Did Everything” — Ronaldo on His Legacy
“I’ve been in the game for 25 years. I did everything. I have many records — in clubs and national teams — and I’m really proud,” Ronaldo said. “So let’s enjoy the moment, live the moment.”
The expanded 48-team 2026 World Cup — co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada — kicks off on June 11, 2026, with the draw set for December 5 at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. Fans are already speculating whether Ronaldo’s final tournament could also be his farewell on the international scoresheet.
The First Billionaire Footballer
Earlier this year, Ronaldo became football’s first-ever billionaire player following his lucrative contract with Al Nassr, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. His continued success off the pitch mirrors the dominance he’s displayed throughout his career — from Manchester United and Real Madrid to Juventus and beyond.
Passing the Torch: Ronaldo on His Son’s Future
Ronaldo also spoke fondly about his son, Cristiano Jr., who currently plays for Portugal’s under-16 team. He expressed his wish to see his son surpass him in football — a rare admission for a player known for his unmatched competitiveness.
“Human beings, we don’t want anybody being better than us,” Ronaldo said. “But I wish my kids will be better than me. I’m never going to be jealous of him — trust me.”
Still, the Portuguese icon emphasized that happiness and freedom matter more than fame or footballing success: “As a father, I’m here to help him be whatever he wants to be.”