Soccer legend Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed the final whistle is nearing on his World Cup career, revealing that the 2026 tournament will be his last.
After more than two decades at the pinnacle of world soccer, the Portuguese captain has announced that the 2026 FIFA World Cup will mark the final chapter of his legendary international career.
The 41-year-old icon—whose country is set to co-host the World Cup in 2030 alongside Spain and Morocco—made the announcement during a July 5 press conference, just one day before Portugal’s highly anticipated showdown against Spain in Dallas, TX, for the Round of 16.
“It’s about enjoying it as much as possible. This will be my last World Cup, but let’s hope tomorrow isn’t my last game,” the star athlete said, as per ESPN.
“The day will come [when I retire from international football]. But I’ll be honest. Whatever happens tomorrow, Cristiano will leave with a clear conscience, not 100%, but 1,000%. Because I’ve given everything in football,” he added.
The soccer icon noted that he has a “passion” for football, teasing that he hasn’t done “too badly” on the field.
“I don’t need it, I have a good life, but it’s about passion. I play football because I love it … You have to enjoy every day. And I’ve scored three goals [at this World Cup], I’m not doing too badly, right?” Ronaldo said.
During the 2026 World Cup, Ronaldo became the first player to score in six World Cups when he achieved two goals against Uzbekistan.
Ronaldo marked another career highlight when he scored a penalty against Croatia in the Round of 32, which recorded his first goal in the knockout round match of a World Cup.
Speaking about this year’s World Cup, the soccer legend noted, “It’s been fantastic. It goes beyond the pitch … This is the World Cup I’ll remember the most, because of people’s passion. It’s even more this time, I don’t know why. It’s been, emotionally, the best. I’ve enjoyed it very much.”
“I’m not lacking anything in life. I’m not going to be more, or less, Cristiano because I win the World Cup. We have the qualities to win, but only one country can win it … Age gives you maturity and experience,” he said, reflecting on his career in the World Cup.
Ronaldo has showcased his skills in six World Cup tournaments, including 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022 and 2026.
“I’m thankful even for the attacks I receive, turning 40—and I hope to live another 40 years—with the criticism, that’s how you grow the most as a person, and I thank you journalists for that,” Ronaldo said.
Just last year, Ronaldo told CNN that he would retire altogether within “one [or] two years.”
Off the field, Ronaldo—who was added to the roster of Saudi Pro League team Al-Nassr FC in 2023—is focusing on planning his wedding with fiancee Georgina Rodriguez after proposing to her last year following eight years of dating.
As the five-time Ballon d’Or winner embarks on what he has confirmed will be his final FIFA World Cup, attention is once again turning to the legacy he will leave behind—not only through his record-breaking career, but also through an enviable collection of multimillion-dollar homes stretching from Portugal to Saudi Arabia.
Lisbon
Ronaldo first picked up a property in Portugal’s capital in 2015 for $2 million.
The dwelling is located on Avenida da Liberdade, a boulevard that is inspired by Paris’ Champs-Elysees and adorned with boutiques, hotels, and cafes.
In 2018, he purchased a 3,100-square-foot-penthouse for $7 million, making history with the then-most expensive apartment ever sold in the city.
The property boasts three bedrooms, wood floors, a terrace, and glass walls that allow natural light to flood inside.
The home also features a spa, gym, and resort-style pool.
Madrid
From 2009 to 2018, Ronaldo played for Real Madrid and sealed his legacy when he became the club’s all-time leading scorer.
In 2010, the soccer star snapped up a luxe mansion in the La Finca neighborhood, a gated community known for its celebrity residents and 24/7 security.
The property, which was designed by Joaquín Torres, sprawls across 8,600 square feet.
It comes complete with a spa, cyrochamber, an indoor pool, and even a soccer field.
In 2023, he placed the property on the market for rent for about $11,000 a month.
Madeira
Ronaldo also made sure to pick up a property where he grew up—in Madeira, Portugal.
He splashed out $8 million for the seven-story abode, which was transformed from a former nightclub in 2015.
The dwelling boasts a rooftop pool, two gyms, and an indoor pool.
Although Ronaldo isn’t always able to make it there, his mother and brother reportedly reside there full time.
Turin
By 2018, the soccer star picked up another pad in one of Turin’s most lavish communities: Strada San Vito Revigliasco.
The property is perched above the city and features a twin villa that is the epitome of privacy thanks to its gated driveway.
Inside, the home boasts chic marble, a spa, a gym and several resort-style pools.
Marbella
After picking up a property in Turin, Ronaldo took a vacation to Marbella, Spain, and decided that he needed a getaway in the area.
The $1.6 million dwelling is situated in the development known as “Superstars’ Cul-de-Sac.”
The area is famous for its celebrity residents, including Conor McGregor, and offers panoramic views of the Mediterranean and several golfing areas.
His holiday home features four bedrooms, high ceilings, glass walls, a pool, a gym, a wine cellar, and a lavish home theater.
Cascais
Elsewhere in Portugal, Ronaldo purchased a 2.47-acre plot built in the lavish Quinta da Marinh for $30 million.
The sprawling property was built between 2022 and 2023.
It comes complete with a home theater, spa, tennis court, two pools, and a 30-car garage.
Riyadh
In 2022, the pro athlete moved to Riyadh to join Saudi Arabian team Al-Nassr—initially relocating to the Kingdom Centre Hotel, where he and his family lived for an entire month before settling down at a full-time residence.
That property is located in Al-Muhammadiyah, one of Riyadh’s most exclusive enclaves.
His home reportedly boasts modern lighting, a three-car garage, a lavish pool, and a luxe walk-in closet.
Dubai
In 2024, Ronaldo picked up a home in Dubai’s Jumeriah Bay Island, which is also known as “Billionaires’ Island.”
The waterfront mansion is situated in a manmade enclave that can be accessed only by a private bridge.
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