# Cristiano Ronaldo's impending football retirement > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/cristiano-ronaldo-portugal-retirement > Updated: 2026-09-04T05:49:03.000Z. Sources: 60. Developments: 7. Cristiano Ronaldo has indicated that the 2026 World Cup would be his last major tournament, following Portugal’s round-of-16 exit against Spain. During the tournament, Ronaldo scored three goals, including his first knockout-stage goal in a victory over Croatia, though he stated his future was not a priority at that time. His sister, Kátia Aveiro, described the period as his “last dance” with the national team. Reports from journalists and agents suggest Ronaldo plans to retire from international football following a UEFA Nations League match against Wales on 24 September 2026. The farewell is expected to take place at Estádio José Alvalade, the venue of his senior debut. This potential retirement follows a career that includes 233 caps, 146 goals, and titles at Euro 2016 and the Nations League (2019, 2025). Analysts have warned that his departure could create a “tragedy” for the Portuguese Football Federation regarding sponsorship revenue and brand value. Beyond the national team, Ronaldo has signaled that his professional club career may also be nearing its end. In an interview with Vogue magazine conducted alongside his partner Georgina Rodríguez, the 41-year-old stated, “Perhaps this will be my last year as a football player,” expressing a desire to leave behind a “spectacular legacy.” He has indicated that the 2026-2027 season will likely be his final year in professional football. While his contract with Al-Nassr runs through June 2027, his recent comments imply an earlier departure. Ronaldo remains focused on reaching the milestone of 1,000 career goals. While he previously recorded 976 goals, Luka Modrić recently noted that Ronaldo has reached 978 official goals, leaving him 22 shy of the mark. Modrić expressed confidence that Ronaldo’s conditioning could allow him to achieve this feat, even suggesting he could play until age 50. ## Claims - Ronaldo has scored 976 goals for club and country. (disputed by 13 sources) - Cristiano Ronaldo stated that the upcoming year will likely be his last in professional football. (corroborated by 17 sources) - Ronaldo has already planned his life after football. (corroborated by 15 sources) - Ronaldo intends to spend his retirement traveling and playing padel. (corroborated by 14 sources) - Ronaldo's professional career has spanned 25 years. (corroborated by 13 sources) - Ronaldo's current contract with Al-Nassr runs until June 2027. (corroborated by 8 sources) - Cristiano Ronaldo recently married Georgina Rodríguez. (corroborated by 7 sources) - Ronaldo is the all-time leader for Portugal in caps with 233 and goals with 146. (corroborated by 3 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-04: Cristiano Ronaldo predicted to reach 1,000 career goals Luka Modrić predicts Cristiano Ronaldo will reach 1,000 official career goals and believes he could continue scoring until age 50. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cristiano-ronaldo-predicted-to-reach-1000-career-goals ### 2026-08-23: Cristiano Ronaldo signals potential retirement from professional football Cristiano Ronaldo has suggested that the current season may be his last as a professional footballer, marking the potential end of a career that includes over 960 official goals. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cristiano-ronaldo-signals-potential-retirement-from-professional-football-1 ### 2026-08-17: Cristiano Ronaldo signals potential retirement after 2026-27 season Cristiano Ronaldo has signaled that the 2026-27 season will likely be his last in professional football, as he aims to reach 1,000 career goals before retiring to focus on family and business. 25 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cristiano-ronaldo-signals-potential-retirement-after-current-season ### 2026-07-28: Cristiano Ronaldo Eyes End to Portugal Career After Wales Match, Launches TV Drama Series Ronaldo may retire from Portugal after a Wales Nations League game, while also co‑producing a new drama series with Thierry Henry. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cristiano-ronaldo-eyes-end-to-portugal-career-after-wales-match-launches-tv-drama-series ### 2026-07-23: Cristiano Ronaldo to End Portugal International Career Cristiano Ronaldo is set to retire from Portugal after the Nations League match versus Wales on 24 Sept 2026, ending a 23‑year, record‑breaking international career and raising concerns over the federation’s s‑ 18 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cristiano-ronaldo-announces-international-retirement-backs-spanish-star-for-ballon-dor ### 2026-07-21: Cristiano Ronaldo to retire from Portugal after Wales Nations League match Reports say Cristiano Ronaldo will retire from Portugal after a September 24 Nations League match versus Wales at Lisbon’s José Alvalade, ending a record‑breaking international career. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cristiano-ronaldo-to-retire-from-portugal-after-september-24-nations-league-match ### 2026-07-03: Cristiano Ronaldo near retirement as Portugal advances and reflects on past triumphs Ronaldo scores his first World Cup knockout goal as Portugal beats Croatia, says his future isn’t urgent, and hints at retirement; former Euro 2016 winner Éder recounts Ronaldo pushing him to the mic during the 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cristiano-ronaldo-near-retirement-as-portugal-advances-and-reflects-on-past-triumphs --- Cite as: Cristiano Ronaldo's impending football retirement. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/cristiano-ronaldo-portugal-retirement