Cristiano Ronaldo states that he has one or two years remaining in his playing career and declared that the 2026 World Cup will undeniably mark the end of his international journey.
The 40-year-old Portugal representative addressed inquiries regarding his future during a video conference at the TOURISE Riyadh event on Tuesday, having informed Piers Morgan Uncensored last week that his retirement would come «soon.»
Initially, he teased on Tuesday that «soon» meant «in 10 years,» but later clarified: «When I say soon … I’m truly savoring the present. As you may know, in football, once you reach a certain age, you begin to count the months swiftly.
«So, the current moment is fantastic; I’m feeling great, scoring goals, still quick and sharp, relishing my time with both the national team and Al Nassr. However, to be candid, when I say ‘soon,’ it likely means just one or two more years for me in this sport.»
When asked if this indicated that the 2026 World Cup would indeed be his farewell, he responded: «Definitely, yes, as I will be turning 41, and I believe that will be the right time, particularly in a major competition.
«As I mentioned earlier, I am savoring every moment, but when I say soon, it genuinely is soon because I have dedicated my life to football; I’ve been in the game for the past 25 years, achieving numerous records in various settings both at clubs and with the national side — I take immense pride in that.
«So, let us enjoy the present and make the most of these moments.»
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The World Cup remains the most prestigious trophy that Ronaldo has yet to secure in an otherwise stellar career, having claimed victory in the Euros with Portugal in 2016.
Ronaldo entered into a recent two-year contract with Al Nassr in June.
Piers Morgan inquired during an interview last week regarding Ronaldo’s retirement timeline.
«Soon. But I believe I will be ready,» Ronaldo affirmed.
«It will certainly be challenging. Will it be hard? Yes. I will likely shed tears, yes … I’m an honest person. [It] will be very, very hard, for sure.»
Portugal requires just two points from their matches against Ireland on Thursday and last-place Armenia on Sunday to secure qualification for the World Cup.
Ronaldo and Argentina‘s Lionel Messi are set to participate in their sixth consecutive tournaments, breaking a tie with Lothar Matthäus, who competed in three World Cups for West Germany and another two with reunified Germany from 1982-98.
