Cristiano Ronaldo's last World Cup

(NLDO) - Superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has officially confirmed that the 2026 World Cup will be the last major tournament in his international career spanning more than two decades.

Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo announced his decision at the Tourism Summit in Riyadh.

When asked if the 2026 World Cup would be his last, Ronaldo replied: "I will play for one or two more years, but the 2026 World Cup will be my last international tournament."

Ronaldo dreams of reaching 1,000 goals and winning the World Cup

The Al-Nassr striker believes that ending his international career at the age of 41 is the "right time" after dedicating himself to Portuguese football.

Multiple sources have also revealed that Ronaldo could retire from club football within the next one to two years.

This information was revealed by CR7 after he helped Portugal win the Nations League championship for the second time in June 2025 as the oldest player to participate in an international final.

In the "European Selecao" shirt, CR7 scored 143 goals in 225 appearances. Adding 810 goals at club level, Ronaldo has become the top scorer of all time, far surpassing his "great rival" Lionel Messi with 894 goals in all competitions.

Ronaldo won the European Cup three times at Euro and Nations League

Ronaldo left the international arena after more than 20 years of playing with a rare record of achievements: 5 Golden Ball titles, 5 Champions League titles, 1 Euro championship, 2 Nations League titles and a deep mark in the history of world football.

However, the World Cup is one of the few major titles missing from the collection of the player born in 1985.

Next year's biggest tournament on the planet, held in the US, Mexico and Canada, will be the Portuguese legend's final performance as the missing piece in his illustrious playing career.

Ronaldo determined to lead Portugal through the qualifying round and win the World Cup

On the other hand, Ronaldo's decision to retire after 2026 also signals a generational transition in Portuguese football and world football. After more than two decades, the role of leader, inspiration and veteran goalscorer once associated with the name CR7 will gradually be handed over to young stars.

Currently, Portugal is only one win away from a ticket to the 2026 World Cup and they are expected to complete this goal when they visit the Republic of Ireland in the 5th match of Group F in the early morning of November 14.

Source: https://nld.com.vn/world-cup-cuoi-cung-cua-cristiano-ronaldo-196251112112435711.htm