Cristiano Ronaldo is reportedly set to bring his remarkable international career with Portugal to a close 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 Portugal’s Round of 32 clash against Croatia, surprising football fans around the world.
Speaking to the media, Katia Aveiro said that, based on information she trusts, the 2026 World Cup is expected to be Ronaldo’s final tournament representing Portugal. If that proves true, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner would not feature at 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 leading scorer with 145 international goals. Throughout his career, he helped Portugal win three major trophies, including the UEFA Euro 2016 title and two UEFA Nations League championships.
However, one achievement still remains missing from Ronaldo’s glittering résumé—the FIFA World Cup trophy. The tournament in North America is therefore widely viewed as his final opportunity to complete his legendary career by lifting football’s most prestigious prize with his national team.
Katia Aveiro also defended her brother against criticism that has followed him throughout the latter stages of his career. She insisted that anyone who truly appreciates football should recognize everything Ronaldo has accomplished during more than two decades at the highest level of the sport.
She concluded by expressing immense pride in Ronaldo’s extraordinary career and voiced her confidence that Portugal has what it takes to continue making a deep run at the 2026 World Cup, regardless of the opponent waiting in the next round.
Sources: Znews