Cristiano Ronaldo’s team went down swinging against a strong Spanish side at the FIFA World Cup on July 6, leaving fans of the legendary Portuguese player wondering if he would announce his retirement from soccer for good. The 41-year-old, who is one of the oldest players in the 2026 tournament, revealed at a press conference the day before the Round of 16 match that it would be his final World Cup appearance.
Cristiano has played in six World Cups in total, a mammoth number considering his first appearance was at the 2006 competition as a 21-year-old. He took Portugal to the semi-finals that year for the first time in decades, and went on to become the first player to score at six consecutive World Cups.
“It’s about enjoying it as much as possible,” Cristiano said of the game against Spain. “This will be my last World Cup, but let’s hope tomorrow isn’t my last game.”
“I’m thankful even for the attacks I receive, turning 40 – and I hope to live another 40 years – with the criticism; that’s how you grow the most as a person, and I thank you, journalists, for that,” he continued. “Whatever happens tomorrow, Cristiano will leave with a clear conscience, not 100%, but 1,000%. Because I’ve given everything in football.”
The soccer star added: “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?”
Cristiano scored two goals against Uzbekistan in the Group Stage, and one against Croatia in the Round of 32. The Portuguese icon concluded that the 2026 World Cup had been “fantastic” and the most memorable, “because of people’s passion”.
© Getty Images“It’s been, emotionally, the best. I’ve enjoyed it very much.” Following Spain’s 1-0 defeat against Portugal in the Round of 16 match, Cristiano shared that he had played in his final World Cup competition.
Learn more about Cristiano’s family below…
“I’m sad to be leaving the World Cup like this,” he told reporters. “I gave it my all. I did my best, and I’m leaving with a clear conscience. This is soccer, this is the life of a soccer player. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, and you have to carry on.”
Cristiano did not speak on whether he would retire from soccer altogether, and remained coy when asked about the topic. “It was my last World Cup, yes, but I’ll now have time to reflect and be with my family. I won’t be making any rash decisions,” he said.
© ANP via Getty ImagesHe currently plays in the Saudi Arabian league for a club in Riyadh called Al-Nassr, having joined in 2022, and his contract expires in June 2027.
© InstagramIt is not known whether he will renew his contract with the team, but fans have theorized that he may be holding out on retirement until he can sink 1,000 career goals, with the star needing just 24 more to reach the milestone.
Cristiano lives in Riyadh with his family, including his fiancée, Georgina Rodríguez, and their kids Eva and Mateo, nine, Alana, eight, and Bella, four. She is also a loving stepmom to his son, Cristiano Jr., 16.
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