By Peter.
Football icon Cristiano Ronaldo announced on Tuesday, November 11, that the 2026 World Cup will mark the end of his international career, signaling the close of one of the most storied chapters in the sport’s history.
The 40-year-old striker, boasting over 950 goals across club and country, added that he plans to step away from professional football entirely within the next “one or two years.” “Definitely, yes,” he affirmed during a virtual appearance at a Saudi forum, responding to questions about whether the upcoming tournament would be his final bow. “I’m gonna be 41 years old and I think it will be the moment.”
Ronaldo, who inked a high-profile deal with Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr in 2023 following his second departure from Manchester United, expanded on recent remarks hinting at an imminent exit from the game. “Let’s be honest, when I mean soon, it’s probably one or two years I’ll still be at the game,” he clarified, reflecting on his 25-year odyssey that has redefined excellence in the sport.
A five-time Ballon d’Or recipient, Ronaldo eyes a record-extending sixth World Cup appearance next summer, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico—the lone major honor yet to grace his overflowing cabinet. His nearest brush with glory came in 2006, when Portugal fell to France in the semifinals. The Seleção das Quinas remain on track for qualification, needing just a victory over the Republic of Ireland on Thursday to lock in their berth.
Ronaldo’s trailblazing move to Al Nassr has accelerated a wave of veteran talents flocking to the Gulf kingdom, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s bold push into global sports and leisure as a cornerstone of its Vision 2030 economic overhaul. The nation, which secured hosting rights for the 2034 World Cup last year, continues to invest heavily in diversifying beyond oil.
