Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed that this will be his final World Cup, setting up the potential that Monday’s last-16 clash against Spain could be his last.
Despite initially resisting questions about his future at World Cup level, Ronaldo eventually made the bombshell announcement that this go-round in the United States would be his last.
‘It’s about enjoying it as much as possible,’ Ronaldo said on Sunday.
‘This will be my last World Cup, but let’s hope tomorrow isn’t my last game.’
Asked about whether there is any trepidation or regret at a looming retirement given his illustrious career is still missing World Cup glory, Ronaldo was quick to dismiss it.
Cristiano Ronaldo had the media in the palm of his hand as he opened up on retirement plan
The 2026 World Cup will be his last World Cup go-round as the leader of Portugal’s team
‘The day will come [when I retire from international football],’ he continued. ‘But I’ll be honest. Whatever happens tomorrow, Cristiano will leave with a clear conscience, not 100%, but 1,000%.
‘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?’
Ronaldo scored a brace against Uzbekistan and while he started the tournament slowly and took criticism from across the globe, he views his 2026 World Cup differently.
‘It’s been fantastic,’ he added, when asked how he’s found the experience thus far.
‘It goes beyond the pitch. This is the World Cup I’ll remember the most, because of people’s passion.
‘It’s even more this time, I don’t know why. It’s been, emotionally, the best. I’ve enjoyed it very much.’
Asked about whether criticism bothers him at this point in his career, Ronaldo said: ‘They’ve tried to kill me for 23 years. There’s no point paying too much attention to it.
‘It’s part of it … 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.
Ronaldo was criticised for his reaction to being substituted in the last round against Croatia – but said that criticism from the media has only fuelled him throughout his illustrious career
‘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.
‘You have to enjoy every day, like the last World Cup, which it will be, but hopefully, hopefully, tomorrow is not the last day. Hopefully. And then you can kill me a bit more.’
