Ronaldo confirms 'last World Cup' but retirement from Portugal duty is on his terms
Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Cristiano Ronaldo has officially confirmed that the upcoming North, Central, and Caribbean World Cup will be his last.
- Portugal is set to face Spain in the Round of 16, a match that could mark Ronaldo's final World Cup appearance.
- Ronaldo stated that he will retire from international football only when he chooses to.
Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal's legendary footballer, has officially confirmed that the upcoming North, Central, and Caribbean World Cup will be his final tournament. The 41-year-old Al Nassr star's statement comes as Portugal prepares to face Spain in the Round of 16. This match could potentially be Ronaldo's last dance on the World Cup stage, though he has indicated his retirement from the national team will be on his own terms.
Ronaldo, a global icon, has had a storied career, but the World Cup trophy has remained elusive. His participation in this tournament, and the potential for it to be his last, has generated significant attention. The team's progression to the knockout stages sets up a high-stakes encounter with Spain.
This is my last World Cup.
While the World Cup might be ending for him, Ronaldo has not set a definitive timeline for his departure from international football. He has stated that he will retire from the national team only when he feels it is the right time, leaving the door slightly ajar for future possibilities beyond this tournament.
I will retire from the national team when I want to.
Originally published by Chosun Ilbo in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.