Every football journey will eventually reach its final chapter.
The Portugal captain has confirmed that the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the last World Cup of his legendary career, saying he wants to enjoy every moment of the tournament.
Speaking ahead of Portugal’s Round of 16 clash against Spain on Sunday, the 41-year-old said he is focused on making the most of what could be his final appearance on football’s biggest stage.
“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,” Ronaldo said.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner said he would eventually retire from international football with no regrets because he has given everything to the 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—100%, no, 1,000%. Because I’ve given everything in football.”
Ronaldo said his motivation to keep playing has never been about proving people wrong but about his love for football.
“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?”
The Portuguese star has once again made history at the tournament, becoming the first player to score in six different FIFA World Cups. He scored twice against Uzbekistan in the group stage before adding another goal from the penalty spot against Croatia in the Round of 32—his first-ever goal in a World Cup knockout match.
Looking back on the competition, Ronaldo described the 2026 edition as the most emotional World Cup of his career.
“It’s been fantastic. It goes beyond the pitch. This is the World Cup I’ll remember the most because of people’s passion… It’s been, emotionally, the best.”
Although he has never won the FIFA World Cup, Ronaldo said lifting the trophy would not define his legacy.
“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.”
The Al-Nassr forward also expressed gratitude for the criticism he has received throughout his career, saying it helped him grow both as a footballer and as a person.
As one of the greatest players in football history prepares for his final World Cup journey, fans around the world will be watching to see whether Ronaldo can end an extraordinary international career with the one major trophy that has always eluded him.
EduTimes Africa, a product of Education Times Africa, is a magazine publication that aims to lend its support to close the yawning gap in Africa's educational development.