Cristiano Ronaldo to Retire from Portugal National Team After 2026 World Cup

Cristiano Ronaldo is set to retire from the Portugal national football team following the 2026 World Cup, according to his sister Katia Aveiro. Speaking ahead of Portugal's knockout match against Croatia, Aveiro described the tournament as Ronaldo's "last dance," emphasizing that he will leave the pitch with his head held high. She said, "From what I know, this is the end. He will retire from the national team after the tournament. People who love football love him; he has dominated for 20 years. He is full of confidence, but this is the end."

Ronaldo is preparing for his 232nd appearance with Portugal, having scored 145 goals, the most by any player in the nation's history. The Manchester United and Real Madrid legend has won the UEFA European Championship in 2016 and the UEFA Nations League twice, scoring three goals in the latter tournament. In the current World Cup, Ronaldo has scored two goals during the group stage but has yet to score in the knockout rounds. He also holds the record as the first player to score in six different World Cups.

As the World Cup knockout stages continue, Ronaldo's impending retirement marks the close of an era for Portuguese football and the global game.