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2026-07-26 10:47 UTC → 2026-07-29 04:56 UTC ·
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In early July 2026 Ronaldo scored his first knockout‑stage goal for Portugal at confirmed that the 2026 World Cup, then downplayed retirement, saying he Cup would decide after the tournament. After Portugal’s round‑of‑16 exit to Spain, the federation scheduled be his last major tournament and announced his retirement on 23 July, planning a farewell for at the UEFA Nations League match versus Wales on 24 September 2026 at the Estádio José Alvalade stadium – the venue of his senior debut. Ronaldo confirmed the 2026 World Cup would be his last major tournament and announced his retirement on 23 July, noting his body’s limits. The match will be his 233rd cap, leaving him with 146 goals and 45 assists, while he remains under contract with Al‑Nassur Al‑Nassr until June 2027. On By 28 July, speculation grew that the same day, media reports citing journalist Mohammed Awaad said Ronaldo plans to end Wales fixture would indeed be his international career in that September 24 fixture, final appearance, though neither Ronaldo nor the Portuguese Football Federation had not yet released federation offered an official statement. comment. The same day, Ronaldo revealed his involvement as executive producer and star of a new scripted drama series titled “Day 1’s”. The project, directed by Matthew Vaughn, will co‑star former France and Arsenal striker Thierry Henry and Emmy‑winner Damian Lewis, and is being pitched to streaming services with an aim of earning Emmy recognition. This marks Ronaldo’s foray into television alongside his football legacy. Analysts reiterated warnings continue to warn that the federation could suffer will face a notable marketing shortfall, significant commercial shortfall as Ronaldo’s personal brand now outweighs has long outweighed the team’s commercial value. Later reports on 23 July reiterated that the retirement is set for the Nations League game at Estádio José Alvalade, emphasizing the symbolic full‑circle nature of the venue and confirming that Ronaldo will continue his club career with Al‑Nassr in Saudi Arabia. The Portuguese Institute of Marketing Administration urged the federation to devise value, urging a new marketing strategy that does not rely on a single player, and analysts continue to assess the sporting and commercial outlook for Portugal in the post‑Ronaldo era. Additional outlets on 23 July reported that the retirement plan, while not yet confirmed by Ronaldo or the federation, is expected to create a significant financial and sponsorship void for the Portuguese Football Federation, intensifying the transition for the national squad under coach Coach Jorge Jesus must also navigate the sporting transition after Portugal’s round‑of‑16 exit at the World Cup elimination. Cup.