Is Cristiano Ronaldo Retiring? What to Know After the Portuguese Soccer Star’s Final World Cup Appearance
· Yahoo Sports
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NEED TO KNOW
- Cristiano Ronaldo announced that the 2026 World Cup would be his last during a press conference on July 5
- Portugal’s loss to Spain subsequently ended Ronaldo’s World Cup career on July 6
- The soccer star isn’t quite ready to retire from the sport altogether, however
Cristiano Ronaldo’s World Cup career is officially over — but that doesn’t mean he’s done with the sport just yet.
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The Portuguese soccer star, who has played in a total of six World Cups, recently announced that the 2026 World Cup would be his last. His team’s run came to an end this year when Portugal lost to Spain on July 6.
Ronaldo has been competing at the World Cup since his debut in 2006. At 41, he was one of the oldest players to participate in the 2026 World Cup.
“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,” Ronaldo said during a press conference on July 5, per ESPN.
Here’s everything to know about Ronaldo’s final bow at the World Cup and what the athlete has said about his eventual retirement from professional soccer.
Is Ronaldo retiring?
Cristiano Ronaldo during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match on October 14, 2025 in Lisbon, Portugal.Credit: Carlos Rodrigues/Getty
Though the 2026 World Cup was his last, Ronaldo isn’t yet done playing soccer. The athlete said as much during a press conference before Portugal’s round of 16 match against Spain. The latter team won the game 1-0, thus bringing Portugal’s 2026 World Cup run to an end.
“It’s about enjoying it as much as possible,” Ronaldo said of the sport. “This will be my last World Cup, but let’s hope tomorrow isn’t my last game.”
Ronaldo currently plays for Al-Nassr, a Saudi Arabian pro football club based in Riyadh. His current contract expires in June 2027.
What has Ronaldo said about his potential retirement?
Cristiano Ronaldo speaks to the media on July 05, 2026 in Arlington, Texas.Credit: Stacy Revere/Getty
During the aforementioned pre-game press conference, Ronaldo acknowledged that “the day will come” when he eventually retires from soccer. The athlete didn’t disclose any specifics regarding a timeline, however.
“Whatever happens tomorrow, Cristiano will leave with a clear conscience, not 100%, but 1,000%. Because I’ve given everything in football,” he said.
Ronaldo went on, “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 had previously avoided confirming whether or not he would retire from the Portugal national team during a post-game press conference after the team’s win over Croatia on July 2.
“I don’t make decisions on the spur of the moment anymore; now I take everything calmly. For now, it’s about enjoying today,” he said at the time, per ESPN.
How many World Cups has Ronaldo played in?
Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal shoots against Per Mertesacker of Germany during the 2014 FIFA World Cup on June 16, 2014 in Salvador, Brazil.Credit: Clive Brunskill/Getty
Ronaldo has competed in a record-breaking six World Cup tournaments over the course of his career. He is the first player to have scored in six consecutive World Cups; he also holds the record for most goals scored in international men’s football.
The star striker began his World Cup career back in 2006, when he made his debut as a 21-year-old. That year, Portugal reach the semi-finals for the first time since 1966.
As for his most recent World Cup appearance, Ronaldo called the 2026 tournament “fantastic.”
“This is the World Cup I’ll remember the most, because of people’s passion,” he said. “It’s even more this time, I don’t know why. It’s been, emotionally, the best. I’ve enjoyed it very much.”
Read the original article on People