Soccer icon Cristiano Ronaldo is preparing for a significant milestone as he approaches the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which he has declared will be his final appearance on the global stage.
During an interview at the Tourise Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on November 11, the 40-year-old Portuguese forward stated unequivocally that he would retire “soon.” “I am enjoying the moment, but when I mean soon, it’s really soon,” he remarked, reflecting on his extensive career. “I give everything for football. I’m in the game for the last 25 years, I did everything, I have many records in the different scenarios in the clubs and also in the national team — I’m really proud. So let’s enjoy the moment and live the moment.”
The upcoming World Cup, hosted by North America, will mark Ronaldo's sixth participation. He holds the record as the all-time leading goal scorer in World Cup history and is the only male player to score in five different tournaments. Despite his accolades, he remains in pursuit of a championship title for Portugal, having previously led the team to a fourth-place finish in 2006. Since then, Portugal has not progressed beyond the quarterfinals.
Ronaldo expressed confidence in his current form, indicating that he still possesses the ability to perform at a high level. “So, the moment is good, I feel very good in this moment,” he said. “I score goals, I still feel quick and sharp, I’m enjoying my game in the national team and [the Saudi Pro League’s] Al Nassr, but of course, let’s be honest, when I mean ‘soon’ it’s probably one, two years I’ll still be in the game.”
As he contemplates retirement, Ronaldo also looks forward to his family's future in soccer. His son, Cristiano Jr., 15, currently plays for Portugal’s under-16 team. Ronaldo expressed hopes that his son could surpass his achievements. “Human beings, we don’t want nobody being better than us,” he acknowledged. “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. As a father, I’m here to help him to be whatever he wants to be.”
This sentiment echoes what he shared in the 2022 Netflix docuseries I Am Georgina, where he emphasized that he would “never pressure” his son into soccer but recognized his potential if he chose that path. “He will do what he wants,” Cristiano Sr. stated. “Also, what I want the most for [Cristiano Jr.] and everyone else is that they’re happy and that they choose what they want. I will support in any way.”
Ronaldo shares Cristiano Jr. with a woman whose identity remains undisclosed. Additionally, he welcomed twins Eva Maria and Mateo via surrogate in 2017. With his fiancée Georgina Rodriguez, he has daughters Alana, 8, and Bella, 3. Tragically, Bella's twin brother Angel passed away during childbirth in 2022.
