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2 min readUpdated: Jul 3, 2026 09:43 AM IST
Cristiano Ronaldo said he will wait until the end of Portugal's World Cup campaign to decide on his future in national colours. (AP Photo)
Cristiano Ronaldo has downplayed the revelation of his potential retirement from international football at the end of the 2026 World Cup by his sister, Katia Aviero, ahead of Portugal’s Round of 32 match against Croatia on Thursday.
“It is not important now,” Ronaldo is said to have told reporters after picking up the Superior Player of the Match award. “I will have time to talk about that after winning or losing the tournament; I will talk to my family, and then I will make the most appropriate decision.”
He added: “I no longer make decisions in the heat of the moment; now everything is done calmly. All that matters to me at the moment is enjoying the present and helping the national team,” the 41-year-old said after scoring his first World Cup knockout goal from the penalty spot.
Speaking ahead of the game to Portuguese media outlet Sport TV, Ronaldo’s sister said: “Enjoy it while it lasts. It’s ending soon.
“The info I have, from a reliable source… this is his last dance.
“I believe it’s not today that they’ll say goodbye, but it’s coming soon. I strongly believe this is the farewell.
“So enjoy it a lot because it will be difficult to find someone after 200 goals. I’m talking about the Portuguese national team.”
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