Cristiano Ronaldo‘s future with Portugal has become one of the biggest talking points at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Fresh claims have suggested that the legendary forward could retire from international football once the tournament ends.
The speculation intensified before Portugal’s Round of 32 clash with Croatia.
There were reports in Portugal that quoted Ronaldo’s sister Katia Aveiro saying this could be his “last dance” in a Portugal shirt.
The rumours surfaced just hours before a dramatic knockout tie. Ronaldo responded in the best possible fashion on the pitch.
The 41-year-old converted a crucial penalty to level the match at 1-1 before Goncalo Ramos struck a stoppage-time winner to send Roberto Martinez’s side into the Round of 16.
It was Ronaldo’s third goal of the tournament and his first in a World Cup knockout match in 10 games.
After the game, Ronaldo was asked directly about the retirement speculation. He said (via The Sun):
“My future isn’t important right now. I’ll have time, after winning or losing, I’ll talk to my family and then make the best decision.
“I don’t make decisions in the heat of the moment anymore. Now, everything is done calmly. It’s about enjoying the present.”
Those comments came after Katia Aveiro reportedly said:
“From the information I have, from a reliable source, I believe that this is the last dance, so let’s enjoy it.
“I believe it’s not today that they’ll say goodbye, but it’s coming soon. I strongly believe this is the farewell.”
Ronaldo now has 232 international appearances and a record 146 goals for Portugal.
He also scored twice against Uzbekistan during the group stage before adding another strike against Croatia.
Portugal will next face Spain in the Round of 16 as Ronaldo continues his pursuit of winning the World Cup.
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