4 reasons why Cristiano Ronaldo’s World Cup retirement claims originally appeared on The Sporting News.
Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Regardless of whether or not his career bests Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo is one of soccer’s biggest stars of all time. While the Portuguese forward became the first player to score at six World Cups, he also said that the 2026 World Cup was his last.
The current Al Nassr player’s career was slowed down by his Ballon d’Or-chasing days at Real Madrid and Manchester United. He was able to win the 2016 EURO and 2025 Nations League with Portugal, but after that, Ronaldo’s international career has largely been trophyless.
While there is a surplus of reasons, both seen on and off the pitch, as to why Ronaldo is actually retiring, there are a few angles that may paint a different avenue of thought.
Here are a few reasons why the Portuguese star could still make an appearance at the 2030 World Cup.
2026 WORLD CUP HQ:Latest World Cup news | Full World Cup schedule | Buy World Cup tickets
Why soccer fans shouldn’t believe Cristiano Ronaldo is retiring from World Cup
Despite Ronaldo mentioning the 2026 World Cup would be his last, Portugal’s star does have some significant reasons to run it back just one more time in 2030. The forward’s current form clearly isn’t what it used to be during his glory days at the top of global soccer, but he is an established personality in the Portugal team.
“Vai ser o meu último mundial” 🗣️ Cristiano Ronaldo 😢#DAZNFIFAWCpic.twitter.com/aESFoNG9Tr
— DAZN Portugal (@DAZNPortugal) July 5, 2026
Let’s take a look at why Ronaldo may not be retiring from the World Cup after all:
Portugal will co-host 2030 World Cup
In 2030, Portugal will join Spain and Morocco as the co-hosts for that summer’s World Cup. This will be Portugal and Morocco’s first time hosting a World Cup, while Spain hasn’t hosted since 1982.
One last dance in front of his home crowd would be fitting for the Madeira, Portugal native, instead of a Round of 16 exit against Spain courtesy of a stoppage-time goal. As long as his body is still up to the task when he is 45 years old, why not have one more run at hoisting the trophy?
🚨FACT: Cristiano Ronaldo will be 45 years old when the 2030 World Cup starts pic.twitter.com/XrgVel2LeN
— Polymarket Sports (@PolymarketSport) July 6, 2026
MORE: Is Cristiano Ronaldo retiring from international soccer?
Ronaldo has not (yet) won a World Cup
Portugal’s latest knockout-stage defeat against Spain marked another year in which the Selecao’s chase to hoist the World Cup trophy was cut short of their goal. For Ronaldo, it marked his sixth attempt at winning the tournament and becoming the first player to score at six separate World Cups.
In 2022, the Messi vs. Ronaldo debate appeared to end for many people after Argentina was victorious over France in the final. The way Messi led his country to the World Cup trophy throughout tournament play was nothing short of generational, even despite his ever-increasing age.
A World Cup win may make the debate more interesting, along with adding an elusive piece of hardware to Ronaldo’s trophy cabinet.
🚨🗣️ 𝗡𝗘𝗪: Pedro Sepúlveda (Portugal journalist): “I don’t believe this is Cristiano Ronaldo’s last World Cup. The next World Cup in 2030 is at home soil, that should be the real farewell moment.” pic.twitter.com/RS8YiaYGtg
— The Touchline | 𝐓 (@TouchlineX) July 7, 2026
Ronaldo has technically not said he’s retiring from Portugal yet
While the Portuguese forward was rather quick to confirm rumors that originated from his sister about his retirement from the World Cup, he still has yet to officially close the book on his tenure with the international team. In an interview, Ronaldo never shut down the possibility of appearing for Portugal again.
He did originally say the 2026 World Cup was his last, but he did need some more time to come to a foregone conclusion.
“I’m sad to leave the World Cup this way,” he said, according to ESPN. “As I said yesterday, I gave it my all, and I leave with a clear conscience. That’s the life of a footballer. You have to move forward.
“It was my last World Cup, yes. But as for the rest, there’s time to think, to be with my family, and not say things in the heat of the moment.”
MORE: Neymar officially retires from international competition
2030 World Cup is the 100-year anniversary
The upcoming World Cup in 2030 will be the tournament’s 100-year anniversary. The big milestone will surely create a more special atmosphere around the hosting sites, and stars may be more inclined to rise to the occasion and perform well on the pitch.
While Ronaldo is already established as one of Portugal’s all-time greats, a great performance in a special year for the World Cup would be a storybook ending for a generational figure in the sport.
About the Author
