Cristiano Ronaldo makes massive announcement on international retirement

Cristiano Ronaldo has opened up about when he will officially retire from the international game.

The football hero has produced mixed performances throughout the FIFA World Cup 2026 thus far.

Cristiano Ronaldo will retire from international football after the FIFA World Cup 2026

Portugal will play Spain on Wednesday evening. And it could be the last time Cristiano Ronaldo ever wears his national team’s colours.

While the icon has enjoyed a remarkable international career, most notably helping guide Portugal to winning the European Championships in 2016, at the age of 41, his best days are behind him.

Erling Haaland has outperformed Ronaldo, Lionel Messi has left him in the dust, and Kylian Mbappe looks levels above. By the time the next edition of the tournament rolls around, the superstar will be 45 years of age. And even he knows that might be a bridge too far.

WOW: Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modric share heartwarming moment after Portugal defeat Croatia

Ahead of his next match, he told the media: “Yes, it’s my last one. Let go and enjoy it.”

When asked to give a date for his international retirement, Ronaldo replied: “I will retire when I want, not when you want.”

‘CR7’ admitted: “[I’m] not the player I was before, but I keep scoring goals.”

Cristiano Ronaldo deserves to win the FIFA World Cup 2026 for one reason, says legend

While some are doubting Ronaldo, many still have his back.

Having witnessed the footballer achieve so much, a 2x Champions League winner has shown his support to his fellow all-time great.

During an exclusive interview with Sporf, this legend claimed Ronaldo deserves to win the World Cup.

Featured Image Credit: Getty