In a career filled with landmark moments, six-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo has now delivered perhaps his most personal yet: a clear roadmap for the end of his playing days. Speaking via video link at a global summit in Riyadh, the 40-year-old forward made two key declarations:
- That the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup (hosted by the USA, Mexico & Canada) will definitely be his last on the world stage.
- That his usage of the word “soon” regarding retirement means “probably one or two years”, not an indefinite or vague timeline.
Age, Motivation and the Final Bow
Ronaldo explained the timing plainly: by the time the 2026 tournament rolls around, he will be 41 years old, a milestone he sees as the natural curtain-call for his World Cup journey. He added:
“I feel very good … I score goals, I still feel quick and sharp … But of course, let’s be honest: when I mean soon, it’s probably one, two years [that] I’ll still be at the game.”
It’s a striking admission from a player long defying age, but one that shows a man ready to recognise the twilight of his playing days while still embracing the moment.
Why It Matters
- The sixth World Cup: If he plays in 2026, Ronaldo will make his sixth consecutive World Cup appearance — a historic feat in itself.
- Missing piece in the legacy: Despite an extraordinary trophy haul, the World Cup has eluded him — and this update suggests he’s giving it everything in one last sprint.
- Contract reality: He is under contract with Al‑Nassr (Saudi Pro League) through to 2027, which means he could play club football beyond 2026 even if his international career ends.
The Personal Side
Ronaldo didn’t just speak of trophies and contracts; he revealed the emotional stakes, saying that stepping away “will be very, very difficult” and that he might well cry when the time comes.
He also discussed his son, Cristiano Jr., currently in Portugal’s Under-16 setup, emphasising that his main hope is for his son to be happy, rather than living under the immense pressure of his father’s legacy.
What’s Next for Ronaldo?
- Focus on the present: Ronaldo is still performing at a high level — scoring goals, setting records, and playing an active role for club and country. He said he is “enjoying the moment” even as the countdown ticks.
- One final big push: The 2026 World Cup is the clear target. It appears to be the symbolic finish for his international tournament career, after which he may still play at club level a bit longer.
- Transition to life beyond football: With the retirement timeline defined, all eyes will shift to how Ronaldo shapes the next chapter — in business, mentorship, or perhaps a new role within the sport.
This is more than just another veteran signalling “the end”. For Ronaldo, it feels like the closing of a definitive chapter in modern football. He has battled ageing, remained elite, and reinvented himself — and now he seems ready to draw the curtains on the era of CR7 on the grandest stage.
