Cristiano Ronaldo confirms 2026 World Cup will be 'my last one' before Portugal meet Spain but warns: 'I will retire when I want - not when you want'

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Cristiano Ronaldo says he is no longer the player he once was but insists he will retire only when he decides. The 41-year-old delivered a combative and emotional press conference on the eve of Portugal’s last-16 clash with Spain, which could be his final appearance at a FIFA World Cup.

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The former Real Madrid and Manchester United star acknowledged the inevitable passage of time but rejected suggestions that his influence has diminished, pointing to his three goals so far in North America - including a penalty against Croatia and a brace in the group-stage win over Uzbekistan.

Speaking to the media before Portugal‘s last-16 clash in Dallas, he said: "Yes, it’s my last one [World Cup]. Let's go and enjoy it."

When asked for a time-frame of when he will retire from Portugal duty, Ronaldo hit back: "I will retire when I want, not when you want. Whether I play or I stay on the bench, the influence will not change.

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"I am not the player I used to be but I am not doing too bad. I keep scoring goals. If I can’t score, it will be another team-mate to score and we hope to go to the next round. The mission is to advance, not for me to score."

The Portugal captain turned his focus to his longevity and the scrutiny that has followed him throughout his career.

"It’s been like this since I was 18, it is not going to change," he added. "I always put body and soul trying to get our goals - playing or not playing, I will always have an important role to play.

"As I said before, I will stop when I choose, not when you choose. You always ask the same question. I don’t want to draw attention to this because it is less important."

Ronaldo said this tournament has been one of the most enjoyable of his career, describing the experience as rich in "emotions" on and off the pitch.

He then responded sharply when asked again about his future, referencing the sustained criticism he has faced over more than two decades at the top level.

"People question me starting at 41? You have been trying to kill me for the past 23 years," he added. "But you must have seen that is not worth it, it’s a waste of time, but you try and try and try and try and try. I am so used to this.

"I even say thanks for the attacks I feel after I turned 40… the criticism is how you grow, so thank you for doing this."

He also addressed his legacy and what the future holds, insisting it will not be defined by whether he wins the World Cup.

"I am not going to be more Cristiano Ronaldo or less because I win the World Cup. Age gives you maturity and experience to see how relative things can be."

At times light-hearted, Ronaldo even singled out one reporter in the room, saying "I know he does not like me" before encouraging him to ask a question.

"Listen, I am going to be honest: whatever happens tomorrow, Cristiano Ronaldo will leave with a clear conscience - not 100% but 1,000% because in life and football I gave everything."

Looking ahead to the meeting with Spain, a side he described as a "second home" after his spell with Madrid, Ronaldo accepted Portugal are underdogs.

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"It’s going to be a very hard battle. We need a lot of faith, we need to run, and we need to be brave."

Ronaldo has picked up 232 caps for Portugal, scoring 146 goals and helping them win Euro 2016 and the UEFA Nations League twice.

He previously hinted this World Cup would be his last one in November 2025. "Definitely, yes. I will be 41 years old, and I think [this] will be the moment in the big competition," he said at the time.

He also predicted he would retire from football "soon", adding: "Let’s be honest, when I mean soon, it’s probably one or two years I’ll still be at the game."

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