Cristiano Ronaldo to Retire in Two Years, Confirms 2026 World Cup Will Be His Last
Riyadh | November 12, 2025 | DeccanLive.com
Portuguese football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has officially announced that the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the last World Cup of his career. The legendary player said that he plans to completely retire from football within the next one or two years.
While speaking through a video call at the World Travel and Investment Conference held in Riyadh, Ronaldo shared his thoughts about his football journey and future.
He said, “When I say ‘soon’, it doesn’t mean in ten years. I’m joking! But I am enjoying my time now. In football, once you reach a certain age, months pass very quickly. I still feel fit, I’m scoring goals, and I still feel sharp and strong. Playing for the national team gives me great joy. But realistically, ‘soon’ means one or two years.”
2026 World Cup Will Be Ronaldo’s Last
Ronaldo admitted that as Portugal moves closer to qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, he knows this will be his final major tournament. The event will take place across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, and Ronaldo will be 41 years old by then.
He said, “Yes, it will definitely be my last World Cup. I’ve given 25 years of my life to football. I’ve done my best at every level, set records, won trophies, and I’m proud of everything I’ve achieved. Now it’s time to live in the moment and enjoy what I’ve earned.”
Talks About His Son’s Future
When asked about his son, Cristiano Jr., who currently plays for Portugal’s Under-16 team, Ronaldo said that he would be proud if his son became a better player than him.
He added, “Naturally, no one wants someone else to be better than them, but I want my children to be better than me. I’ll never feel jealous. I don’t want to put pressure on my son. My only wish is for him to be happy, whether he plays football or chooses another sport. This new generation thinks and lives differently. As a father, my job is to guide and support him in whatever he wants to be.”
Ronaldo’s Career and Records
The Portuguese forward has scored over 950 goals in his club and international career so far. He began his professional journey in 2002 with Sporting Lisbon.
In June this year, he extended his contract with Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr until 2027.
Now aged 40, Ronaldo remains determined to win the World Cup, the only major trophy missing from his incredible career achievements.
He concluded by saying that while the end of his football career is near, his passion for the game and his love for representing Portugal remain as strong as ever.
