Cristiano Ronaldo confirmed the 2026 FIFA World Cup would be his final appearance at the tournament.
Speaking to CNN on Tuesday, the Al-Nassr forward was asked if the next World Cup would be his last and replied, “Definitely yes.”
“I will be 41 years old and I think will be the moment in the big competition,” said the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.
“I’m enjoying the moment, but when I mean soon, it’s really soon because I gave everything for football.”
The decision means the Portuguese superstar, who represented his country at five previous World Cups, effectively ruled himself out of the 2030 edition, which Portugal would co-host with Morocco and Spain.
Portugal are on the verge of qualifying for the 2026 tournament, sitting top of Group F with 10 points, five clear of second-place Hungary with two matches remaining.
A victory over the Republic of Ireland on Thursday would secure their place at the top of the group.
Football superstar @Cristiano Ronaldo has told CNN that the 2026 FIFA World Cup will “definitely’ be his last.
“I will be 41 years old and I think will be the moment in the big competition,” Ronaldo told @BeckyCNN in a virtual interview today. pic.twitter.com/4LESJzMFH4
— CNN International PR (@cnnipr) November 11, 2025
