Cristiano Ronaldo has officially confirmed that the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the last World Cup of his remarkable career, bringing the curtain down on one of the greatest journeys in football history.
Speaking ahead of Portugal’s crucial knockout clash against Spain, the 41-year-old captain revealed that he is determined to savour every remaining moment on football’s biggest stage.
“Yes, it’s my last one. Let’s go and enjoy it,” Ronaldo said.
The announcement marks the end of an era for Portugal and world football.
Since making his World Cup debut in Germany in 2006, Ronaldo has featured in six FIFA World Cups ; 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022 and 2026 becoming one of the few players in history to achieve the feat.
Across those tournaments, Ronaldo has scored 11 World Cup goals, cementing his place among the competition’s greatest goalscorers while becoming the first male player to score in six different FIFA World Cups.
Despite his age, Ronaldo insists he is still contributing to Portugal’s campaign.
The veteran forward has already scored three goals at the ongoing tournament and dismissed suggestions that he is no longer making an impact.
“I don’t think I’ve been doing that bad… I’ve scored three goals! Others have scored more because they are doing very well. They feel very good. But let’s see if I can score tomorrow,” he said.
Ronaldo admitted that time has changed him as a player but believes his ability to deliver in front of goal remains intact.
“I’m not the player I was before, but… I keep scoring goals. And I hope to score tomorrow.”
However, the Al-Nassr striker emphasized that Portugal’s success matters far more than personal milestones.
“If I can’t score, it will be another teammate to score and we hope to go to the next round. The mission is to advance, not for me to score.”
Portugal face European rivals Spain in one of the most anticipated matches of the tournament, with a place in the next round at stake.
While Ronaldo will once again carry the hopes of millions of Portuguese fans, he says lifting the World Cup trophy will not define who he is.
“I will not be ‘more Cristiano’ if we win the World Cup, or ‘less Cristiano’ if we don’t win it.”
Instead, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner reflected on the gratitude he feels after more than two decades at the highest level of football.
“I’m grateful to life. I’m enjoying every single day. I’ve been lucky. I learned to enjoy day by day.”
Ronaldo also revealed that beyond the goals and results, the 2026 tournament will remain special because of the unity and emotion it has brought, dedicating the experience to the late Diogo Jota.
“I will remember this World Cup for the people’s passion. We are all together here, it’s special and it’s for Diogo.”
As Portugal prepare for a defining showdown against Spain, Ronaldo now stands just a few matches away from closing the final chapter of an extraordinary World Cup legacy – one that has spanned 20 years, six tournaments, 11 goals, and countless unforgettable moments.
