Veteran Striker Eyes More Goals Ahead of 2026 World Cup Exit

Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal’s 41‑year‑old captain, confirmed on July 6 in Dallas that the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be his final tournament, but he insists he is not stepping away from international football just yet.

Having already scored three times in the current competition – a brace against Uzbekistan and a penalty against Croatia – Ronaldo hopes to find the net again in the upcoming round‑of‑16 match versus Spain. He stated, "I don’t think any of my World Cups have been bad. I am looking forward to adding another goal if I can."

Ronaldo’s World Cup record is historic: he has scored in six consecutive editions since his debut in Germany 2006, accumulating 11 goals – the most by any player across six tournaments. His overall international record stands at 232 caps and 146 goals, complemented by a Euro 2016 championship and two UEFA Nations League titles.

When questioned about retirement, Ronaldo explained that the decision is solely his. He pledged to give his utmost effort – “a thousand percent” – regardless of the result against Spain, underscoring his lifelong commitment to football.

Beyond the pitch, Ronaldo highlighted the emotional bond with fans, recalling heartfelt moments with supporters from Venezuela and Colombia. With a career total of 976 goals for club and country, he remains on a quest to breach the 1,000‑goal milestone before hanging up his boots.