Cristiano Ronaldo will retire from international football after the 2026 World Cup, his sister Kátia Aveiro has confirmed, telling fans to “say goodbye” to the 41-year-old’s Portugal career.
Speaking to Sport TV outside Toronto Stadium just hours before Portugal’s round of 32 clash with Croatia, Aveiro said she had it from a reliable source that the tournament would be Ronaldo’s final appearance with the national team. “From the information I have, they can say goodbye,” she said. “Not today, but I believe this is the farewell. I’m talking about the national team. From a reliable source, it’s the ‘last dance’, the World Cup.”
Ronaldo had previously told CNN in late 2025 that the tournament would “definitely” be his last with Portugal, having turned 41 during the competition. The confirmation from his sister adds further certainty to what has long been anticipated — that the 2026 World Cup represents the final chapter of one of international football’s most celebrated careers, spanning more than two decades and five World Cup tournaments.
His club future remains a separate matter. Ronaldo has spoken about continuing at Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League as he chases his landmark target of 1,000 career goals, a milestone he has been closing in on in recent months.
