Cristiano Ronaldo announced his decision to make the 2026 FIFA World Cup his last on Sunday.
What happened?
Ronaldo made the statement during a pre-match press conference before Portugal's Round of 16 match against Spain on July 6.
The 41-year-old soccer icon has scored 146 goals for Portugal in 232 appearances.
Why it matters for Cristiano Ronaldo
Ronaldo's announcement comes after his sister, Katia Aveiro, told Portuguese media that it was her brother's final World Cup.
Aveiro stated, "From the information I have, they can say goodbye," and "I believe this is his last dance."
What comes next?
Ronaldo is not believed to be retiring from professional soccer at the end of this World Cup, but it could be the final time fans see him in a Portugal shirt.
He has registered 11 goals in World Cup play, joint-ninth behind names like Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe.
Ronaldo challenged a journalist, Marcelo Bechler, who he claimed didn't like him, saying, "I challenge that guy there…to ask a good question, since you don't like me."
Bechler replied, "What's the hardest thing about a World Cup at 41 years old?" to which Ronaldo said, "Talking to you all, who don't like me especially, and you're one of them, I know."
Bechler criticized Ronaldo earlier in the World Cup for dismissing a reporter's question about Lionel Messi and yelling at the camera after he scored twice against Uzbekistan.
Ronaldo will go down as one of the greatest international players of all time, with a record 146 goals for Portugal.
He will be 45 years old by the time the 2030 tournament rolls around, which will be co-hosted by Morocco, Portugal, Spain, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay.
Ronaldo's announcement has sparked interest ahead of the match against Spain on July 6.
The match is set to take place on Monday, with Portugal looking to advance to the next round.
Ronaldo's future with the national team has been a topic of discussion, but he has confirmed that this will be his last World Cup.
The Portuguese star has had a successful career, winning numerous titles and breaking records.
His announcement will be remembered as a significant moment in his career, and fans will be watching his performance in the upcoming match against Spain.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup has seen several surprises, with teams like Belgium and the US making headlines.
Ronaldo's statement has added to the excitement, and fans are eager to see how Portugal will perform in the tournament.
With his experience and skill, Ronaldo will be a key player in the match against Spain.
The outcome of the match will determine Portugal's fate in the tournament, and Ronaldo's performance will be crucial in deciding the result.
The match is set to take place on July 6, and fans will be watching to see how Ronaldo and Portugal perform.
Ronaldo's legacy will continue to be felt in the soccer world, and his announcement has sparked interest in the upcoming match.
The 41-year-old soccer icon has had a successful career, and his decision to make this his last World Cup has added to the excitement of the tournament.