Cristiano Ronaldo said the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the final tournament of his professional career.
The announcement marks the impending end of an era for one of the most decorated players in football history, signaling a transition for the Portuguese national team.
Speaking at a press conference before Portugal's Round of 16 match against Spain, Ronaldo confirmed his decision to step away from the global stage. "Yes, it’s my last World Cup," Ronaldo said [3]. He said that he wants to conclude his World Cup journey on his own terms [2].
Now 41 years old [1], Ronaldo is competing in his sixth World Cup [1]. Throughout his career in the tournament, he has scored a total of 11 goals [1]. In the current 2026 edition, he has already found the net three times [1].
While Ronaldo has provided a definitive timeline, Brazil's Neymar has remained less certain about his future. Neymar said, "I’m thinking about retirement this year" [4]. However, the Brazilian forward has not yet issued a formal announcement regarding his retirement from professional play.
Reports on Neymar's status vary. Some sources indicate he is set to retire this year [1], while others note there has been no official confirmation following Brazil's recent performance [1].
The timing of these potential departures coincides with the high stakes of the knockout stage. Portugal's match against Spain serves as a critical juncture for Ronaldo's final campaign, a pursuit of a legacy-defining finish in his sixth appearance at the tournament.
“"Yes, it’s my last World Cup."”
The confirmed retirement of Ronaldo and the potential exit of Neymar represent a generational shift in global football. These two athletes have dominated the sport's commercial and competitive landscape for nearly two decades; their departure removes two of the most recognizable brands from the international game and forces their respective national teams to rebuild their offensive strategies without their primary talisman.
