Khaberni - The Portuguese Cristiano Ronaldo, crowned with the Ballon d'Or for the best player in the world five times, revealed on Tuesday during a filmed interview in Riyadh that the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals will definitely be his last, thus ending a historic era.
The Al Nassr striker, who explained that he is aging and wants to retire soon, will participate in the World Cup hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico in its twenty-third edition, for the sixth time in his career.
Ronaldo (40 years old) answered during a Saudi forum via video, after being asked whether the 2026 edition would be his final participation in the World Cup, "Yes, definitely. I will be forty-one years old and I think it will be the right moment."
The former star of Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus confirmed that he would retire "soon."
He continued, "Let’s be honest, when I say soon, I mean perhaps another year or two in the game."
Portugal has not yet secured its qualification for the finals but can do so by defeating Ireland this Thursday in the penultimate round of the European qualifiers.
Ronaldo joined Al Nassr coming from United in 2022 after his second stint in England.
The Portuguese has become the most prominent face of soccer in the oil-rich Gulf state, which has attracted many soccer stars with massive contracts as part of a broad sports campaign in preparation for hosting the 2036 World Cup.
Despite his brilliant career, Ronaldo has not yet succeeded in leading Portugal to win the World Cup title.
