Cristiano Ronaldo has given followers a giant trace about his future, confirming that the 2026 World Cup will probably be his final — and retirement might be only a yr or two away.
The soccer legend made the announcement throughout a CNN interview at a discussion board in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, Nov. 11, the place he joined through video name whereas away with Portugal’s nationwide crew.
“Undoubtedly, sure, as a result of I will probably be 41 years outdated,” Ronaldo mentioned when requested in regards to the World Cup, leaving little doubt that subsequent summer season’s match will probably be his closing worldwide look.
This information comes only a week after Ronaldo sat down with Piers Morgan, hinting that retirement is perhaps on the horizon. He joked, “Quickly for me means in 10 years,” earlier than clarifying, “I really feel superb on this second. I rating objectives, I nonetheless really feel fast and sharp. I’m having fun with my recreation within the nationwide crew. However after all, let’s be trustworthy. What I imply by quickly, it’s most likely one or two years.”
Ronaldo, who celebrates his birthday on Feb. 5, is at present signed with Saudi Arabian membership Al-Nassr till 2027. Over the course of his illustrious profession, he’s scored greater than 950 objectives for membership and nation, making him the all-time males’s chief in objectives scored.
Portugal followers are additionally watching the crew’s qualification marketing campaign intently. The squad might safe a World Cup spot throughout this FIFA worldwide window, going through Eire on Nov. 13 and internet hosting Armenia on Nov. 16. With 10 factors from 4 Group F matches, Portugal wants simply two extra factors to lock of their place on the match.
If Ronaldo makes it to the 2026 World Cup, he and Lionel Messi would turn out to be the primary gamers to compete in six World Cups. Ronaldo’s previous World Cup runs embrace a semifinal look in 2006, Spherical of 16 exits in 2010 and 2018, a group-stage exit in 2014, and a quarterfinal end in 2022.
Messi, the 2022 World Cup winner, can be making ready for subsequent summer season’s match with Argentina, planning to announce his official participation after the 2026 MLS preseason.
The 2026 World Cup will probably be historic, co-hosted by america, Canada, and Mexico. Matches kick off on June 11, 2026, in Mexico Metropolis, with the ultimate set for July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
