Cristiano Ronaldo will reportedly end his impressive international career with Portugal following the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The possibility was revealed by the 41-year-old superstar’s sister, Katia Aveiro, just hours before the round of 32 match between Portugal and Croatia, surprising football fans around the world.
Speaking to the media, Katia Aveiro said that, Based on the information he trusts, the 2026 World Cup is expected to be Ronaldo’s final tournament representing Portugal. If this turns out to be true, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner would not participate in UEFA Euro 2028, ending an international journey that began with his senior debut in 2003.
Should he retire from international football after this year’s tournament, Ronaldo will leave behind one of the greatest legacies in Portugal’s history. He currently holds the national record for appearances with 232 caps and is also the country’s all-time top scorer with 145 international goals. Over the course of his career, he helped Portugal win three major trophies, including the UEFA Euro 2016 title and two UEFA Nations League championships.
However, there is still one achievement missing from Ronaldo’s brilliant CV: the FIFA World Cup trophy. The tournament in North America is therefore widely seen as his last opportunity to complete his legendary career by lifting football’s most prestigious prize with his national team.
Katia Aveiro also defended her brother from the criticism that followed him during the latter stages of his career. She insisted on this anyone who truly appreciates football should recognize all that Ronaldo has accomplished in more than two decades at the sport’s highest level.
He concluded like this expressing immense pride in Ronaldo’s extraordinary career and expressing his confidence that Portugal has what it takes to continue to make a breakthrough at the 2026 World Cup, regardless of the opponent waiting in the next round.
Sources: Znews
