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On the day of Portugal's round of 32 showdown against Croatia, Cristiano Ronaldo's sister hinted that the 2026 World Cup represents the five-time Ballon d'Or winner's "last dance" with the national team.
Ronaldo etched his name in the history books this summer, joining Lionel Messi and Guillermo Ochoa in competing at a sixth World Cup. He also became the first player — male or female — to find the net at six World Cups, further cementing his status as arguably the greatest goalscorer the sport has ever seen.
Now 41 years old, Ronaldo is constantly faced with questions about a potential retirement, both at the international and club level. The Al Nassr skipper has never pinpointed an exact date, offering only a vague estimate in 2025 of a few more years, but his sister Kátia Aveiro appeared to let slip the secret regarding his Portugal chapter.
Speaking to journalists outside BMO Field in Toronto ahead of Portugal's knockout tie against Croatia on Thursday evening, part-time popstar Aveiro disclosed, "From what I know, he can say goodbye. Enjoy it while it lasts. It's not today that he's saying goodbye, but it's coming soon."
Her comments suggested there may be some kind of farewell celebration back in Portugal once the World Cup concludes.
"I believe this is his farewell. Cherish every moment. It will be hard to find anyone like him."
Aveiro then seemed to clarify that she was referring specifically to Ronaldo's tenure with the Portugal national team, which kicked off back in 2003.
"After 1,000 goals [he will retire]? Yes, that's something. I'm referring to the national team. Based on what I know, from a trustworthy source, I believe this [World Cup] is his last dance."
Going all the way to World Cup glory for that "last dance" will be a steep challenge for a Portugal side that no longer stands among the very elite of world football.
Ronaldo's Legacy Is Missing One Trophy
Should Ronaldo indeed step away from international football following the 2026 World Cup, he would hope to do so on July 19, with Portugal lifting the trophy for the very first time. That coveted prize is the one missing piece from his personal collection, and it would be a perfect way to close out a remarkable career with the Seleção das Quinas.
Ronaldo enters Portugal's clash with Croatia boasting 231 caps and 145 goals — both records in men's international soccer. He would love nothing more than to get on the scoresheet and register his first-ever World Cup knockout stage goal to help steer his nation into the round of 16.
Despite his shortcomings on the global stage, Ronaldo played a pivotal role in delivering Portugal its first-ever European Championship in 2016 and two UEFA Nations League titles. Before his emergence, the nation had never claimed a major trophy.
As he enters the twilight of his career, Ronaldo has faced growing scrutiny over whether he is better suited to a substitute role rather than leading the line for Roberto Martínez. The 41-year-old has netted just twice in Portugal's three group stage outings this summer, with both goals coming against Uzbekistan. Prior to that, he went scoreless throughout Euro 2024.
Martínez has made clear that Ronaldo remains a fixture in his starting XI for as long as the Real Madrid legend wishes to continue, but the iconic forward appears to be edging ever closer to drawing the curtain on his international career.
In Pursuit of 1,000 Goals
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Ronaldo's appearance against Croatia in Toronto marks his 1,329th senior appearance across club and international football. He currently sits on 975 goals — already making him the all-time leading scorer according to the International Federation of Football History & Statistics (IFFHS) — with just 25 more needed to reach the coveted milestone of 1,000.
That target will certainly be within reach in Saudi Arabia next season, where Ronaldo's output has surged over the past four years after an expected dip in Europe. If his Portugal career is set to end in the near future, his time at club level may not be far behind.