- Cristiano Ronaldo is reportedly set to retire from international football after the 2026 FIFA World Cup
- His sister Katia Aveiro announced this information before Portugal’s Round of 32 match against Croatia
- Ronaldo has played over 200 games for Portugal, scored over 100 goals and led the country to three trophies
Cristiano Ronaldo will reportedly retire from international football after the 2026 FIFA World Cup, according to the information by his sister Katia Aveiro.
Ronaldo is leading Portugal at his sixth FIFA World Cup in what could be his last major tournament and final appearance for the national team.
Source: Getty Images
Ronaldo to retire from international football
Ronaldo’s sister Katia Aveiro, speaking to Sport TV ahead of the Round of 32 clash between Portugal and Croatia, announced that the five-time Ballon d’Or winner will leave the national team after the tournament.
“From the information I have, he can say goodbye. Enjoy it while it lasts. It’s not today that he’s saying goodbye, but it’s soon. I believe this is his farewell. Enjoy it a lot. It will be difficult to find someone like him,” she said.
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“After a thousand goals? Yes, that’s something. I’m talking about the National Team. The information I have, from a reliable source, I believe this is his last dance.”
Ronaldo reacts to news of his retirement
Ronaldo scored in Portugal’s 2-1 win over Croatia to help them reach the Round of 16, his first knockout goal to set up a Round of 16 tie with Spain.
After that match, he neither confirmed nor denied his sister’s comments, claiming that his future is not important at the moment, and he will have time to decide after the World Cup.
“Cristiano’s future is not important right now. I’ll have time to talk. After we win or lose, I’ll speak with my family and then I’ll make the best decision. ” he said via Marca.
“I no longer make decisions in the heat of the moment. Everything is done calmly now. Right now, it’s about enjoying the present.”
Portugal’s win over Croatia came exactly a year after the unfortunate passing of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva in a car accident.
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Source: Getty Images
The Portuguese players have been wearing a wristband with his name at the World Cup and Ronaldo dedicated the win to their late colleague.
“We knew it before the game, it was a special moment. We speak today, our group, about the coincidence of life, it’s unbelievable,” he said via The National.
“I was amazed because the situation of today, it means a lot to us, not only because we won the game but also the way.nWe know he is present with us and it only made sense to win today to honour him in the best way.”
Gianni Infantino sends message to Ronaldo
Legit.ng previously reported that FIFA President Gianni Infantino sent a message to Cristiano Ronaldo after he set a new record at the FIFA World Cup.Ronaldo’s brace against
Uzbekistan meant that he became the first player to score at six FIFA World Cups, having scored in every edition since 2006.
Source: Legit.ng