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Cristiano Ronaldo speaks to the media in Arlington, Texas, on July 5, 2026
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NEED TO KNOW
- Cristiano Ronaldo confirmed at a July 5 press conference that the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be his last with Portugal
- "It's about enjoying it as much as possible. This will be my last World Cup, but let's hope tomorrow isn't my last game," he said ahead of Portugal's match against Spain on July 6
- Ronaldo, 41, became the first player to score in six World Cups during this year’s tournament, netting three goals so far
Cristiano Ronaldo confirmed that this year's World Cup will be his last.
Speaking to the press on Sunday, July 5, the soccer superstar, 41, announced that this year will mark his final year with the Portuguese national team, ahead of their July 6 game against Spain.
"It's about enjoying it as much as possible," Ronaldo said, per ESPN. "This will be my last World Cup, but let's hope tomorrow isn't my last game."
"The day will come [when I retire from international football]. But I'll be honest. Whatever happens tomorrow, Cristiano will leave with a clear conscience, not 100%, but 1,000%. Because I've given everything in football," he continued.
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Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo playing Croatia on July 2, 2026
Credit: Mathew Tsang/Icon Sportswire via Getty
"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 added.
At this year's tournament, he became the first player to score in six World Cups when he netted two times against Uzbekistan in the group stage, EPSN reported. He also scored a penalty against Croatia in the Round of 32, which marked his first goal in a World Cup knockout round match.
"It's been fantastic," he said of this year's tournament. "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 has played in six editions of the tournament, including 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022 and 2026.
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"I'm not lacking anything in life," he continued, reflecting on his extensive soccer career. "I'm not going to be more, or less, Cristiano because I win the World Cup. We have the qualities to win, but only one country can win it ... Age gives you maturity and experience."
"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 added.
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Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates scoring against Hungary in 2025
Credit: Alexandra Fechete/MB Media/Getty
Ronaldo, who joined Saudi Pro League team Al-Nassr FC in 2023, proposed to his fiancée, Georgina Rodríguez, last year after eight years of dating.
The pair are in the planning stage ahead of their nuptials, and they are rumored to be tying the knot later this year.
As for Portugal — which is set to co-host the next World Cup in 2030 with Spain and Morocco — the team is set to face Spain in Dallas for the Round of 16.
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