Cristiano Ronaldo could play his final FIFA World Cup match on Monday 6 July, when Portugal face Spain in the Round of 16 in Arlington, Texas.
The Portuguese superstar, who has featured at six World Cups since making his debut in 2006, became the first player in history to score at six editions of the tournament.
Speaking publicly for the first time at the FIFA World Cup 2026, the 41-year-old reflected on a remarkable international career spanning 23 years, 232 appearances and 146 goals for Portugal.
“This will be my last World Cup; God willing tomorrow is not my last game,” he said in a press conference.
“The day will come [when I retire from international football]. But I’ll be honest. Whatever happens tomorrow, Cristiano will leave with a clear conscience, not 100 per cent, but 1,000 per cent. Because I’ve given everything in football. I don’t need it, I have a good life, but it’s about passion. I play football because I love it… You have to enjoy every day. And I’ve scored three goals [at this World Cup], I’m not doing too badly, right?”
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Ronaldo’s scoring record at this World Cup stands at three goals in four games, including one against Croatia in the round of 32, his first in the World Cup knockout stage.
“I’m not missing anything; God has been generous to me. I won’t be more Cristiano or less Cristiano if I win the World Cup or not. We have the qualities to win, but only one country can win it.”
Ronaldo, who played at the Athens 2004 Olympic Games, also reflected on the scrutiny he has faced throughout his career.
“They’ve tried to kill me for 23 years. There’s no point paying too much attention to it. It’s part of it [the game],” he reasoned.
“People in Portugal have faith, they never fail us, they’re always on our side, my side. All the rest is rubbish. It doesn’t matter at all. I’m not lacking anything in life.
“God has given me everything, more than I ever expected. Age gives you maturity and experience. I’m thankful even for the attacks I receive. That’s how you grow as a person, it has made me stronger, and I thank you journalists for that, because of that I’ve grown even more.”
The 2030 World Cup is set to be co-hosted by Portugal, Spain and Morocco.
READ MORE: https://www.olympics.com/en/news/fifa-world-cup-2026-cristiano-ronaldo-this-will-be-my-last-world-cup
