Cristiano Ronaldo confirms playing one last World Cup, but shrugs off retirement talk: 'I want to enjoy'

Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed that the 2026 World Cup will be his final appearance in the prestigious football tournament. The Portuguese striker's remark highlighted that he has entered the final stretch of his illustrious football career.

Ronaldo played a key role in Portugal's World Cup round of 32 victory over Croatia last Friday. The veteran striker scored from the penalty spot, while Goncalo Ramos' header in extra time helped the team advance in the knockout stage.

Ronaldo confirms 2026 World Cup as his last

Speaking to reporters on the eve of Portugal's round of 16 match against Spain, Ronaldo said the 2026 World Cup would be his last appearance in the tournament and that he intended to enjoy it. He also remained hopeful that the World Cup round of 16 match would not be his last in the ongoing tournament.

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"I want to enjoy it as much as possible, because it will be my last World Cup. But I hope that tomorrow won't be my last game in the World Cup," Ronaldo said

Ronaldo also made it clear that he doesn't want to focus on retirement and was frustrated after being asked the same question repeatedly, and has kept the team's progression and performance as the utmost priority.

"You always ask the same question, whether this is the last one. We'll see. I don't want to draw attention to that; it isn't important. What's important is whether we go through," he added.

Ronaldo: 'I’m grateful to life'

At the press conference, Ronaldo also expressed gratitude towards life and appreciated his journey, focusing on enjoying each day rather than being defined by wins or losses.

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"I will not be ‘more Cristiano’ if we win the World Cup, or ‘less Cristiano’ if we don’t win it.

"I’m grateful to life. I’m enjoying every single day; I’ve been lucky. I learned to enjoy day by day," Ronaldo added.

Portugal will face Spain in the 2026 World Cup round of 16 at the AT&T Stadium in Dallas on Tuesday at 12:30 AM IST.