The end of an era in world football is on the horizon. Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the most iconic figures the sport has ever produced, has confirmed that next summer’s World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico will mark his final appearance on the world stage.

At 40 years old and with a staggering 953 career goals to his name, Ronaldo remains Portugal’s leading striker and captain. But in a candid admission this week, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner revealed that he intends to retire from football within “one or two years,” signaling the beginning of his farewell tour.

A Historic Farewell on the Horizon

Speaking via video call at the Riyadh World Tourism Summit, Ronaldo left little doubt about his intentions when asked whether the 2026 World Cup would be his last.

“Definitely, yes,” Ronaldo said. “I’m going to be 41 years old, and I think it will be the moment.”

Ronaldo, who signed a two-year extension with Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr in June, said he is still enjoying the game but understands the reality of age catching up to him.

“When I say soon, I mean one or two years,” he added. “I feel very good right now. I’m scoring goals, I feel quick and sharp. I’m enjoying my football for both my national team and Al Nassr — but yes, I know the end is near.”

Portugal, led by manager Roberto Martinez, are just one win away from securing qualification for the tournament. A victory over the Republic of Ireland on Thursday would seal their spot, virtually guaranteeing Ronaldo a record-breaking sixth World Cup appearance — more than any outfield player in history.

Emotional Reflections and Retirement Reality

Ronaldo’s comments followed up an emotional interview with Piers Morgan, where the veteran forward admitted that retirement will be one of the hardest moments of his life.

“It will be difficult. Probably I will cry,” he confessed. “I’m an open person, and football has been my life for over 30 years. It will be very, very difficult.”

The Portuguese legend’s longevity has stunned even those who shared the pitch with him. Former Manchester United teammate Louis Saha told talkSPORT that he never expected Ronaldo to play into his forties.

“Not really,” Saha admitted. “The way he was kicked around in the Premier League early in his career, I didn’t think he’d last this long. But he built something amazing — his fitness, his ambition, his obsession with improvement. He’s always aiming for the best.”

Saha recalled realizing Ronaldo’s true potential during a Champions League match against Roma.

“He scored a ruthless header and I thought, hang on — this isn’t the same kid who used to just do tricks. From that moment, I knew he had no limits.”

The Quest for the Missing Trophy

For all his records — five Champions League titles, seven league crowns across Europe, and the Euro 2016 triumph — the World Cup remains the one major honor that has eluded Ronaldo.

Portugal’s best finish came in 2006, when a young Ronaldo helped his country reach the semifinals. Their 2022 campaign ended in heartbreak after a shocking quarter-final exit to Morocco, a moment many believed would be his last on the global stage.

Now, the Al Nassr forward is determined to make one final push, hoping to emulate longtime rival Lionel Messi, who lifted the World Cup with Argentina in 2022.

Under Martinez, Portugal has flourished — boasting a deep roster of attacking talent — yet Ronaldo remains the focal point. His 25 goals in 29 games since the Spaniard took charge underline why his place remains unquestioned.

Ronaldo also led Portugal to another UEFA Nations League triumph in June, defeating Spain in the final — a testament to his enduring influence and unmatched competitiveness.

Legacy of a Legend

As the curtain begins to draw on Ronaldo’s remarkable career, his legacy is already cemented: a relentless professional, a global ambassador for the sport, and arguably the most complete forward the game has seen.

For Ronaldo, the 2026 World Cup won’t just be another tournament — it will be the closing chapter in a story that began in Madeira, conquered Manchester, Madrid, Turin, and Riyadh, and inspired millions worldwide.

If all goes as planned, the world will watch one final time as Cristiano Ronaldo — the relentless, record-breaking icon — takes his final bow on football’s grandest stage.