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By Oscar Okhifo
Like they say, whatever has a beginning will someday end. The end to the lucrative football career of legendary Cristiano Ronaldo is gradually drawing near, as the Portuguese superstar has confirmed that the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be his final appearance on football’s biggest stage.
Ronaldo, who turned 40 this year and has scored over 950 goals for clubs and country, made the declaration on Tuesday while speaking via video link at a forum in Saudi Arabia.
“Definitely, yes,” he said when asked if the 2026 tournament would be his final World Cup. “I’m gonna be 41 years old and I think it will be the moment.”
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner, currently playing for Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr, also shed more light on his earlier hint that retirement from professional football is approaching.
“Let’s be honest, when I mean soon, it’s probably one or two years I’ll still be at the game,” he stated.
Ronaldo is aiming for what would be his sixth World Cup appearance, having come closest to winning the trophy in 2006 when Portugal finished in fourth place after losing to France in the semi-finals.
Portugal is yet to officially qualify for the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, but can secure their spot with a win over Ireland on Thursday.
Ronaldo joined Al Nassr in late 2022 after a second spell at Manchester United, becoming one of the first high-profile stars to move to Saudi Arabia in a wave of big-money football investments by the kingdom.
When the curtain is finally drawn on CR7’s illustrious journey, his fans and admirers across the world will surely echo: he came, he saw, he dazzled and he bowed out in honour and glory.