It’s the end of an era for
Speaking to the press on July 5, ahead of s Round of 16 game against on Monday, the soccer superstar, 41, confirmed that this year’s will be his last, marking his final appearance with the
“It’s about enjoying it as much as possible,” Ronaldo said,7 “This will be my last World Cup, but let’s hope tomorrow isn’t my last game.”
“The day will come [when I retire from international football]. But I’ll be honest: whatever happens tomorrow, Cristiano will leave with a clear conscience—100%, no, 1,000%. Because I’ve given everything in football,” he continued.
While Ronaldo’s future at , as well as with the Portuguese national team, depends on Monday’s game, the sports legend said his love of football remains, adding that he’s proud of his showing at the tournament thus far.
“I don’t need it; I have a good life, but it’s about passion,” Ronaldo, who has played in six editions of the tournament — including 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022, and 2026 — said of the sport. “I play football because I love it… You have to enjoy every day. And I’ve scored three goals [at this World Cup], I’m not doing too badly, right?”
He’s already made history, becoming after landing two goals in the back of the net against in the group stage. Ronaldo also scored a penalty during the team’s Round of 32 match against marking his first goal in a World Cup knockout game.
“It’s been fantastic,” he added of this year’s tournament, which has long been rumored to be the sportsman’s final World Cup run. “It goes beyond the pitch… This is the World Cup I’ll remember the most because of people’s passion. It’s even more this time; I don’t know why. It’s been, emotionally, the best. I’ve enjoyed it very much.”
“I’m not lacking anything in life,” Ronaldo went on to say as he reflected on his decades-long soccer career. “I’m not going to be more or less Cristiano because I win the World Cup. We have the qualities to win, but only one country can win it… Age gives you maturity and experience.”
Ronaldo, who joined Saudi Pro League team Al-Nassr FC in 2023, with a contract that will keep him with the team through the summer of 2027, said he’s thankful for it all, even the criticism he’s received both on and off the pitch.
“I’m thankful even for the attacks I receive, turning 40 — and I hope to live another 40 years — with the criticism, that’s how you grow the most as a person, and I journalists for that,” Ronaldo concluded.
This story was originally published by on Jul 6, 2026, where it first appeared in the section. Add Parade as a