Cristiano Ronaldo has announced that Portugal’s current World Cup campaign, which has successfully reached the Round of 16, will mark his last appearance in the global tournament.
The renowned footballer shared this revelation during a press conference on Sunday, held ahead of Portugal’s highly anticipated clash with Spain in Dallas. Despite acknowledging the end of an era, Ronaldo expressed optimism, hoping that Monday’s match “isn’t my last game.”
Speaking to reporters, Ronaldo candidly remarked, “There will come a day [when I retire from international football].” He continued, “But truthfully, whatever unfolds on [Monday], Ronaldo will walk away with a clear mind, not merely 100% but 1,000%. I have poured everything into football. While I don’t need it for my life to be fulfilling, my passion drives me. I play because it’s my love… Every day is to be cherished. And let’s be honest, three goals in this World Cup isn’t too shabby, right?”
With Ronaldo’s decision, he will not don the national colors when Portugal co-hosts the World Cup in 2030 alongside Spain. This marks the end of a remarkable international journey that began in 2006.
Although Ronaldo has yet to claim a World Cup title, his contribution was pivotal as Portugal advanced in the tournament. His penalty-kick goal secured victory in the Round of 32 against Croatia, which was notably his first ever goal in the World Cup knockout stage.
“It’s been fantastic,” Ronaldo said, according to ESPN, of a World Cup where he has collected three goals in total. “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.”
Ronaldo, 41, also plays for Al-Nassr FC — a Saudi Pro League team — and has already etched his place as one of the greatest soccer players ever, and when he scored during a group stage game against Uzbekistan, he became the first player to score in six different World Cups.
And Monday afternoon, with plenty at stake for Portugal even before Ronaldo’s announcement, could end up being remembered as the final World Cup chapter in his storied career on the stage.