Cristiano Ronaldo's 2026 plan shows exactly where he stands on retirement

Cristiano Ronaldo may be approaching the twilight of his illustrious career, but he shows no signs of hanging it up anytime soon. As the Portuguese legend approaches his 40th birthday in less than a month, Ronaldo defies expectations by negotiating a new contract with Al-Nassr worth more than £167.9 million (€200 million). ) rather than retiring.

The seasoned striker continues to find the back of the net for both club and country, perhaps fueled by his desire to land football's most coveted prize: the World Cup. Ronaldo was part of Portugal's triumphant Euro 2016 team, and his impressive tally of 135 goals is an international record.

Under manager Roberto Martinez, qualifying for the 2026 World Cup will likely be the last opportunity for Ronaldo to write his name in history by winning the prestigious trophy. As of 2024, Ronaldo has scored seven goals in 12 appearances for Portugal and remains a key player for the team.

World Cup ambitions

Ronaldo's Portuguese teammates are confident he will continue to lead their attack next year and are determined to win the World Cup to ensure his remarkable career ends on a high note, should he decide to retire eventually. the sequel. Chelsea striker Joao Felix, who has been with the national team since 2019, recently shed light on Ronaldo's immediate plans.

Earlier this month, Félix was asked if he thought Ronaldo intended to play in the 2026 World Cup, the Mirror reports. To which he told TNT Sports Mexico: “Yes, I think so. Everything indicates that he will do it. He has this dream of winning the World Cup, and we are going to do everything possible to give him that. price, which I think is the only one missing.

Portugal's ambitions

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes, who played alongside Ronaldo for club and country, admires his teammate's relentless pursuit of success. The former Sporting CP midfielder believes securing Portugal's first ever World Cup victory would be a monumental achievement for the nation and a fitting culmination for Ronaldo's illustrious career.

However, Fernandes did not rule out the possibility of Ronaldo extending his career further. He also told TNT Sports Mexico: “I'm pretty sure he will be there. And obviously it would be good if Cris goes to the World Cup to fulfill his dream of winning with the national team.

“Not only for him, but for all the Portuguese players who want to give this gift to our country. But obviously, as the ultimate benchmark of our football, it would be good for him to finish like this. Winning with the national team would be that would be the best way But I don't know if after winning the World Cup he would finish or continue a bit.

“Because he always wants to improve. Every year Cris wants to do more, he wants to be better. For us the most important thing is to go to this World Cup in the best possible way to succeed. That's our dream. I know that for all Cris fans and for our whole country, it would be something huge to end his career with the national team with two trophies.”

The best in the world

Despite the change of scenery, Ronaldo's prowess at Al-Nassr doesn't quite compare to his legendary stints at Manchester United or his record-breaking status at Real Madrid. However, former Portugal manager Fernando Santos, currently in charge of Azerbaijan, remains steadfast in his confidence in Ronaldo's abilities to propel the country to its first World Cup glory.

In a chat with Abola, Santos was resolute about Ronaldo's prospects: “Ronaldo? I always expected him to be at a high level until late in his life and I didn't no doubt about his participation in the 2026 World Cup.” He added: “He will do his best to win another title for Portugal. Cristiano is the best player in the world.”