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Portuguese legend Cristiano Ronaldo announced on Tuesday that the upcoming World Cup will be his final appearance as he nears the end of an extraordinary career.
The 40-year-old striker, who has netted over 950 goals for both club and country, said he plans to retire from football within “one or two years.”
“Definitely, yes,” he told a Saudi forum via video link when asked whether 2026 would be his World Cup swansong. “I’m gonna be 41 years old and I think it will be the moment.”
Ronaldo, who began a lucrative tenure with Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr in 2023, also expanded on his remarks from last week about retiring “soon.”
The five-time Ballon d’Or recipient is aiming for a sixth World Cup next year. He came closest to winning the trophy in 2006, when Portugal fell to France in the semi-finals.
Portugal has not yet secured a spot in the 2026 tournament, which will take place in the USA, Canada, and Mexico, but they can clinch qualification by defeating Ireland on Thursday.
After departing Manchester United for a second time in late 2022, Ronaldo signed with Al-Nassr, a move that heralded an influx of seasoned stars to the affluent nation.
Saudi Arabia, which is investing heavily in sports and entertainment as part of its economic diversification strategy, was designated as the host for the 2034 World Cup last December.
