The final dance has been announcedCristiano Ronaldo makes his final effort
Another World Cup for CR7: Superstar Cristiano Ronaldo announced that the finals in Canada, Mexico and America will be his last World Cup as a professional. It is not yet clear whether this tournament will also be his farewell to the national team.
How many times have you thought: Now, it’s all over. And apparently not. Five-time world footballer Cristiano Ronaldo seems to have eternal life as a professional. But that’s not the problem. The Portuguese player’s great career is now truly coming to an end. Not immediately, not suddenly, gradually, but unstoppable. Next year the superstar will step back from the last big stage where he can still show himself. The World Cup in America, Canada and Mexico was his last.
As long as the national team qualifies for the tournament. He could do it this Thursday. With a win against Ireland. Ronaldo declared his last dance on the biggest international stage this Tuesday: “Absolutely, yes,” said the 40-year-old Portuguese striker at a Saudi forum via video link, asking if he will play his last World Cup in 2026: “I will be 41 years old then, and I think that will be the moment.” Is the back door still open?
Otherwise not. Ronaldo has successfully fought against aging for years. Unlike many great stars before him, there seems to be no expiration date for the man who changed the sport. Which is moving into a completely new dimension at Manchester United and especially at Real Madrid, whose dream goals are measured down to the smallest detail, whose dribbling is becoming a hero all over the world. Whose titles and records no one can count anymore. Never before has a footballer been as ubiquitous as CR7, but this has also been facilitated by streaming and social media.
Messi has won the World Cup
In the US, Mexico and Canada, five-time Champions League winner Ronaldo once again claimed the final major title that remains incomplete. He has won the World Cup trophy five times so far, but the fight has always been in vain. Different from his eternal rival, Lionel Messi. In the “GOAT” duel with the Argentinian, he has been behind since Qatar in 2022. There Messi finally won the World Cup, what an emotional victory. These two giants will meet again in the US. A direct duel will be the crowning achievement of the eternal battle between football heroes.
Ronaldo has celebrated a “minor” national team title with Portugal; in 2016 he became European champion, which is generally considered a more difficult title to win as European competition is generally considered tougher. This summer he added a (somewhat trivial) Nations League title to his collection.
Ronaldo’s unforgettable drama in 2016
But what a drama that occurred at the St. Petersburg stadium. Denis was in Paris at that time. Ronaldo had to leave the pitch injured after 25 minutes in the final against France and cried uncontrollably. His Portuguese player fought like a lion against the hosts and scored in the 109th minute. At that time, striker Eder was the hero that CR7 really wanted. Ronaldo stood on the sidelines in a thick bandage, trained, and even checked on his superiors. He really wanted this victory.
It is not yet clear whether next year’s tournament will also be his farewell to the national team. However, Ronaldo indicated that the end of his career was near. “Let’s be honest: When I say ‘soon’, I mean maybe in a year or two I will be here,” said the Al-Nassr professional in Saudi Arabia. Ronaldo moved to the Pro League in 2022 and has been the face of the league since then. He will be rewarded with a multi-million dollar contract by his club in the country hosting the 2034 World Cup. The final straw? Who knows?
