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The Portugal captain confirms that the 2026 World Cup will be the last of his international career. He says he doesn't feel he's missing out on any achievements, even if he doesn't win the only trophy he doesn't have in his collection...
Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed that the 2026 World Cup will be his last with Portugal. A day before what could be his last World Cup match, the 41-year-old forward admitted publicly for the first time that this is the final chapter of his journey in football's biggest competition.
"This will be my last World Cup. With God's help, I hope that tomorrow will not be my last match," Ronaldo declared.
After 23 years with Portugal, he has played 232 games, scored 146 goals and become the first player to appear in six World Cups. However, the World Cup trophy remains the only major achievement missing from his career.
Ronaldo said it doesn't change how he views his journey. "I don't lack anything. God has been generous with me. I will be neither more nor less Cristiano whether I win the World Cup or not," the Portuguese said.
He recalled that he made his debut for Portugal in 2003 against Kazakhstan at the Chaves Stadium, in front of around 8,000 fans, when he came on as a substitute for Luís Figo. The final match could be against Spain at the Dallas Stadium in Arlington, in front of around 80,000 spectators. If Portugal is eliminated in the round of 16, his World Cup journey will be over.
The pre-match press conference became a moment of reflection for the Portuguese captain. Speaking in three languages, he alternated jokes with serious answers and did not avoid questions about the end of his career.
"I always hear the same question from you: is this the last World Cup? We'll see. I don't want to make this the center of attention. The most important thing is that Portugal qualifies," said the Portuguese star.
However, a little later he made his decision clear. Ronaldo admitted that the time has come and that there is no reason to hide the reality.
"The day will come. But, honestly, whatever happens tomorrow, I will leave with a clear conscience. Not 100 percent, but 1,000 percent, because I have given everything to football," he explained.
He added that he continues to play only for passion.
"I don't need football to live. I live very well, but football is my passion. I play because I love this sport. I can't put pressure on myself by saying that we have an obligation to win the World Cup. Whatever happens, will happen. You have to enjoy it every day. So far I've scored three goals in this tournament and I'm not doing too badly, am I?" said CR7.
Ronaldo also spoke about the criticism that has accompanied him throughout his career.
"For 23 years they have been trying to 'kill' me. There is no point in paying too much attention to these things. It is part of this sport," he said.
According to him, the support of the Portuguese fans has never been lacking. "The people in Portugal have faith in me and the team. They have never abandoned us. All the rest is nonsense and has no importance," said the Portuguese captain, while emphasizing that the criticism has influenced his formation.
"Age gives you maturity and experience. I am also grateful for the attacks I have received over the years. That is how you grow as a person. They have made me stronger and, yes, I also thank the journalists for that, because they have helped me grow," Ronaldo added.
In the end, the Portuguese reiterated that he wants to enjoy every moment remaining in his international career.
"You have to live every day as if it were your last World Cup, because for me it is. I really hope that tomorrow is not my last day. I really hope so. Then you can keep trying to 'kill' me a little more," he said.
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