Cristiano Ronaldo has expressed his belief that he has around one to two years remaining in his professional football career, stating that he is targeting the 2026 World Cup as his final tournament. The 40-year-old Portuguese star shared his thoughts during a virtual interview at the TOURISE Riyadh event, following his recent comment to Piers Morgan about retiring “soon.” Ronaldo humorously mentioned that his definition of “soon” could span a decade but clarified, “When I mean soon, I’m really enjoying the moment right now.” He emphasized feeling physically strong, quick, and sharp, indicating his intention to continue playing for another one or two years.
Regarding the 2026 World Cup, Ronaldo confirmed that it would likely mark the end of his illustrious career, as he aims to exit the game at 41 years old, especially during a significant international competition. Reflecting on his achievements, Ronaldo expressed pride in his contributions to football over the past 25 years, both at club level and with the national team. Acknowledging the importance of savoring the present moment, he encouraged others to do the same.
Despite various accolades in his career, including winning the Euro Championship with Portugal in 2016, Ronaldo is yet to secure a World Cup title, making the upcoming tournament a potential milestone for him. In June, he extended his contract with Al Nassr for an additional two years. During his interview with Piers Morgan, Ronaldo emotionally acknowledged the challenges that retirement would bring, noting that it would be a difficult transition but one he is preparing for mentally and emotionally.
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