Cristiano Ronaldo responds to retirement claims after sister's 'last dance' remark

July 03, 2026 • 0 • min read

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Cristiano Ronaldo responds to retirement claims after sister's 'last dance' remark

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Ronaldo says no final decision has been made on his Portugal future.
His sister Katia Aveiro believes this World Cup could be his farewell.
Portugal now face Spain, with Ronaldo still chasing World Cup glory.

Cristiano Ronaldo has refused to confirm whether the ongoing FIFA World Cup will mark the end of his international career, despite his sister claiming the Portugal captain is preparing to step away from the national team.

The speculation intensified before Portugal’s dramatic 2-1 victory over Croatia in the Round of 32, when Ronaldo’s sister, Katia Aveiro, suggested the 41-year-old was nearing his farewell from international football.

Speaking to Portuguese broadcaster Sport TV, Aveiro said she believed this tournament would be Ronaldo's "last dance" in Portugal colours.

Enjoy it whilst it lasts. From the information I have, from a reliable source, I believe this is his last dance.

It's not today that they're saying goodbye, but it's coming soon. I strongly believe this is the farewell.

Enjoy it because it will be difficult to find someone after 200 goals. I'm talking about the Portuguese national team.

Her comments quickly fuelled reports that Ronaldo had already decided to retire from international football once Portugal's World Cup campaign comes to an end.

Ronaldo refuses to confirm Portugal retirement

Ronaldo, however, dismissed suggestions that any decision has already been made.

After helping Portugal beat Croatia by converting a second-half penalty before Gonçalo Ramos scored the stoppage-time winner, the captain insisted his focus remains solely on the World Cup.

My future isn't important right now.

I'll have time, after winning or losing, to talk to my family and then make the best decision.

I don't make decisions in the heat of the moment anymore. Everything is done calmly. Right now it's about enjoying the present.

His response leaves the door open for another chapter with Portugal, despite widespread expectations that this will be his final World Cup appearance.

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Portugal legend continues to rewrite history

Ronaldo has continued to defy expectations throughout the tournament.

Now aged 41, he became the oldest player to both feature and score in a World Cup knockout match after netting against Croatia. The goal also represented his first-ever strike in the knockout rounds of the competition.

The Portugal captain has now amassed 232 international appearances and 146 goals - both extending records that already place him among the greatest international footballers in history.

His remarkable international career spans more than two decades, having made his senior debut for Portugal in 2003.

During that time, Ronaldo has led his country to its most successful era, lifting the UEFA European Championship in 2016 before adding two UEFA Nations League titles.

World Cup dream still alive

Despite his extraordinary list of achievements, one major honour remains missing from Ronaldo's glittering career: the FIFA World Cup.

Portugal have progressed to the Round of 16, where they will face rivals Spain in one of the standout fixtures of the tournament.

Ronaldo has started every match under Roberto Martínez and remains central to Portugal's ambitions, despite ongoing debate surrounding his role in the starting line-up.

He has scored three goals at this year's tournament, including a brace against Uzbekistan during the group stage and his decisive penalty against Croatia.

Chasing the 1,000-goal milestone

Even if Ronaldo eventually ends his international career after the World Cup, retirement from football itself appears some way off.

The Al-Nassr forward signed a new two-year contract in 2025 and has repeatedly stated that reaching 1,000 career goals remains one of his biggest motivations.

Earlier this year, Ronaldo explained his mindset:

It's hard to continue playing, but I am motivated. My passion is high, and I want to continue. It doesn't matter where I play, whether in the Middle East or Europe.

With 969 official career goals for club and country, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner is edging ever closer to one of football's most extraordinary milestones.

For now, however, Ronaldo has made one thing clear: any decision about his international future can wait until Portugal's World Cup journey reaches its conclusion.