Ronaldo 2026 FIFA World Cup: Cristiano Ronaldo sparks retirement rumors ahead of 2026 World Cup, says ‘My career in soccer is not long…'
Ronaldo's professional journey began with Sporting Lisbon in 2002, and his ascent has been nothing short of remarkable. Featuring for Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, and now Al-Nassr, he has scored over 900 career goals and claimed five Ballon d'Or titles, breaking records in every major European league along the way.
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'I'm Here to Enjoy': Ronaldo's Message Resonates
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A Glorious Career Approaches Final Chapters
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FAQs
Did Cristiano Ronaldo announce his retirement?
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What did Ronaldo mean by saying 'I'm here to enjoy'?
At 40 years old, Cristiano Ronaldo remains a commanding presence on the football pitch, defying expectations and timelines. But as Portugal prepares for a pivotal UEFA Nations League final against Spain, the legendary forward has once again sparked speculation about when the curtain might finally fall on his historic career.In a press interaction on the eve of the match, Ronaldo delivered a brief message that sent fans and pundits into a frenzy. With no definitive retirement timeline, the Portuguese icon left room for hope and mystery, offering a four-word declaration that may well define the twilight of his journey: 'I'm here to enjoy.'When asked directly about his retirement plans, Ronaldo responded with poise and clarity, though without finality.'My attitude to life is like this: I live every day and try to enjoy the moment,' he said. 'I know that my career in soccer is not long, but at the moment I enjoy the game at a high level. Today, tomorrow or another day — I have not made a clear decision about this', as quoted in a report for WorldSoccerTalk.The Portugal captain, whose current contract with Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia concludes at the end of June, emphasized that happiness, not records, remains his primary motivation.'I am only here to play football and enjoy the process,' he added. 'Football gives me happiness, that is why I am still on the field.'Since bursting onto the professional stage with Sporting Lisbon in 2002, Ronaldo's rise has been nothing short of meteoric. With spells at Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, and now Al-Nassr, he has amassed over 900 career goals and five Ballon d'Or trophies, setting records across every major European league.Internationally, his accomplishments are equally staggering. As Portugal's all-time leading scorer, Ronaldo has led the national side to a Euro 2016 triumph and victory in the inaugural Nations League in 2019. Now, as he eyes one final trophy in this year's tournament, speculation grows around whether the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be his swansong on the global stage.Ronaldo appeared philosophical about the future, reiterating his focus on the present moment rather than setting a timeline.'My mentality is to live day by day,' he remarked. 'I don't have many more years to play…but I'm enjoying the moment. There's no day decided for my retirement. I feel happy, I'm here to enjoy and keep going until the day I [don't feel] like this.'That mindset of being fully immersed in the present seems to encapsulate a career that continues to evolve, even in its final phase. As the countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup begins, fans can expect Ronaldo to remain central to Portugal's campaign, even if the exact end of his career remains uncertain.For now, the football world listens and watches one more time.No, Ronaldo did not officially announce his retirement. He stated, 'I'm here to enjoy,' and emphasized that he is living day by day without setting a specific date for ending his career.The phrase reflects Ronaldo's current mindset. He is focused on enjoying the game and staying happy on the field, rather than chasing records or worrying about the end of his career.
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