Cristiano Ronaldo Confirms 2026 FIFA World Cup as His Final World Stage
- Cristiano Ronaldo has outlined his international football retirement timeline as he approaches his 41st birthday
- The Al Nassr star continues to deliver elite performances while reflecting on the future of his remarkable career
- With a potential sixth World Cup appearance in sight, the Portuguese icon is preparing for one final global stage
Portuguese football legend Cristiano Ronaldo has finally revealed when he expects to step away from international duty.
Source: Getty Images
In a conversation with CNN’s Becky Anderson, Ronaldo said turning 41 has made him seriously consider winding down his national team career, adding that full retirement from football could follow “within a year or two”.
His announcement has sparked a wave of reflection and anticipation as supporters prepare for what may be his last World Cup campaign in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
PAY ATTENTION: stay informed and follow us on Google News!
Ronaldo, currently thriving at Al Nassr, addressed previous comments about retiring “soon”, joking at first that it might mean another decade before clarifying his true timeline.
“When I say soon, I mean one or two more years in the game,” he said a rare admission from a player who has dominated for more than two decades and is now preparing for a new chapter with family at the centre.
As seen in the tweet below:
Cristiano Ronaldo's career milestones and records
Ronaldo, who launched a film studio in April 2025, began as a prodigious teenager at Sporting Lisbon in 2002 before he became a global star at Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus, eventually joining Al Nassr in 2023. His career has produced five Ballon d’Or titles and countless records, including becoming the all-time leading men’s international goalscorer with 143 goals.
His recent brace against Hungary pushed him to 41 goals in World Cup qualifiers, overtaking former Guatemalan striker Carlos Ruiz. At club level, his achievements span multiple Champions League crowns and league titles in England, Spain, and Italy.
Source: Getty Images
At Al Nassr, Ronaldo continues to perform at a high level after signing a lucrative €200 million-a-year deal, later extended until 2027. Despite acknowledging the physical demands of age, he says he still feels “light, fast, and sharp”.
Off the field, he sits atop global earnings rankings, with Bloomberg naming him football’s first billionaire and Forbes estimating his annual income at $280 million, more than double Lionel Messi’s.
Ronaldo was rumoured in May to a moving to Moroccan club Wydad Athletic Club as it was speculated he aimed to play at the FIFA Club World Cup. The move never materialised, which saw him missing out on the tournament, which was held in the USA.
Ronaldo targets historic sixth World Cup appearance
The World Cup remains the only major trophy missing from Ronaldo’s collection. Since his debut in 2006, his closest attempt came with Portugal’s semi-final loss to France. Now aiming for a record sixth appearance, he hopes to lead his country to a long-awaited triumph.
Portugal can secure their place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a win over Ireland on Thursday, 14 November 2025, in their crucial Nations League fixture, a result that would move Ronaldo one step closer to the final chapter of his international story.
The lavish life of Cristiano Ronaldo
Briefly News previously reported that Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the greatest footballers of all time, leads a life of unmatched luxury, owning some of the most expensive possessions in the world.
From multi-million-dollar homes in Madrid, Turin, and Madeira to an $18 million Bugatti La Voiture Noire, Ronaldo’s lifestyle reflects his immense success and love for opulence.
PAY ATTENTION: Follow Briefly News on Twitter and never miss the hottest topics! Find us at @brieflyza!
Source: Briefly News
