Ronaldo Says 2026 FIFA World Cup Will Be His Final Tournament | APT

Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the greatest footballers of all time, has officially confirmed that the 2076 FIFA World Cup will definitely be his last. Speaking in an exclusive interview with CNN's Becky Anderson during the tourism summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the Portugal superstar said he knows when it's time to step off the global stage. And that moment will come after the next World Cup. I will be 41 years old and I think it will be the moment in the big competition, Ronaldo said, smiling, but with a touch of finality. His remarks mark the first time the five-time Ballon d'Or winner has explicitly said he will retire from international football after the 2026 tournament, ending an international career that has defined an era. Ronaldo, who has scored an astonishing 143 goals for Portugal, the most by any male footballer in history, reflected on his career with gratitude and pride. I'm enjoying the moment, he said, but when I mean soon, it's really soon because I gave everything for football. I'm in the game for the last 25 years. I did everything. I have many records in different scenarios, in the clubs and also in the national teams. I'm really proud. So let's enjoy the moment, live the moment. For millions of fans across the world, Ronaldo's retirement will signal the end of an unparalleled legacy that began in Madeira and reached unimaginable heights with Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus and now Al Nasa. Across his glittering career, he has lifted five Champions League trophies, won league titles in three countries and inspired a generation of players with his relentless drive, discipline and unmatched professionalism. The 2026 FIFA World Cup, the largest in history with 48 teams, will be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada. The tournament kicks off on June 11, 2026 and is expected to be one of the most watched sporting events ever. The official draw for the tournament will take place on December 5 at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. If Portugal qualifies, all eyes will be on Ronaldo to see how he leads his team on football's biggest stage one last time. Despite the fame and fortune, Ronaldo emphasized during the interview that family and happiness now take priority. When asked about his son, Cristiano Jr., who currently plays for a Portuguese under-16 team, Ronaldo said he hopes the next generation can surpass him both on and off the pitch. Human beings. We don't want nobody being better than us, he said with a laugh. But in my point, I wish if my kids will be better than me, I'm never going to be jealous of him. Trust me. He went on to share that as a father, his goal is not to pressure his son to follow in his footsteps, but to support him unconditionally. As a father, I'm here to help him to be whatever he wants to be, Ronaldo said. If he wants to be a football player, I will help him. If he wants to do something else, I will also help him. What matters to me is that he's happy. As he prepares for what will likely be his final appearance on football's grandest stage, fans around the world will undoubtedly celebrate the career of a player whose dedication, excellence, and charisma helped redefine the modern game. The 2026 World Cup may be his last, but Cristiano Ronaldo's legacy will continue to echo through the sport for generations to come.