CRISTIANO RONALDO is yet to secure World Cup success with Portugal – and the 2026 tournament could be his last chance to do so.
has bagged three goals in this year’s competition so far.
This could be Cristiano Ronaldo’s last World Cup Credit: Reuters
Ronaldo, 41, bagged two against Uzbekistan during a group stage encounter before scoring a crucial penalty to help beat Croatia in a tense round of 32 tie.
And the footballing legend is hoping to play a pivotal role in tonight’s blockbuster last-16 clash with Spain.
But ahead of the match, the main talking point has been whether this will be the last World Cup we see Ronaldo play in.
Is Cristiano Ronaldo going to retire after the World Cup 2026?
has confirmed that the will be his last as a player – but he hasn’t ruled out continuing his career at club level.
Speaking in a press conference on Sunday, the Portuguese mogul said: “Let this be my last World Cup; it is my last World Cup, and I hope tomorrow won’t be my last match.”
Ronaldo previously refused to confirm whether the tournament would be his last even though he will be 45 years of age when the next competition rolls around in 2030.
He said: “I will finish when I choose. You always ask the same question: is this the last one? We will see. I don’t want to draw attention to this, the most important thing is to play well tomorrow,”
“I’m going to be perfectly honest, regardless of what happens tomorrow, Cristiano is going to be 1,000 per cent leaving with a clear conscience.
“I have given all I could to football, it’s my passion to play for so many years. I didn’t do it out of need, I’m doing well out of life. It’s about passion. I play for the national team and I love to play football.
“Regardless of what happens tomorrow I’m not going to exert pressure on myself that I must win.
“You have to enjoy every match at a huge competition like the World Cup. I think I’m not doing so bad. I’ve scored three goals, others have done better but I think I’m doing not so bad.”
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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