Ronaldo refuses to confirm if World Cup is his “last dance” for Portugal

Cristiano Ronaldo has declined to say whether the 2026 World Cup will be his “last dance” with Portugal, insisting he has yet to make a decision about his international future.

The 41-year-old captain was responding to comments made by his sister, Kátia Aveiro, who suggested before Portugal’s dramatic 2-1 victory over Croatia that this would be his “last dance” with the national team.

Speaking to Sport TV after Portugal booked their place in the last 16 with a stoppage-time winner in Toronto, Ronaldo said his focus remains entirely on the World Cup.

“Cristiano’s future isn’t important right now,” he said, addressing himself in third person.

“I’ll talk about it later. There will be time. After we win or lose the World Cup, I’ll speak with my family and make the decision in the best way. I no longer make decisions in the heat of the moment. Everything is done calmly now. Right now, I just want to enjoy today.”

His comments leave open the possibility that he could continue beyond the World Cup, despite speculation that the tournament would mark the end of his international career.

Earlier in the day, Kátia Aveiro had told reporters she believed supporters should savour Ronaldo’s remaining appearances for Portugal.

“I’m confident and happy because I think we have to enjoy these moments. It’s the last dance for two players, both on our opponents’ side and on Portugal’s side,” she said, referring to Ronaldo and Croatia captain Luka Modrić.

When asked whether Ronaldo could still feature at Euro 2028, she replied: “From the information I have, people can start saying goodbye. I don’t think it will be today, but it will be soon. I believe this will be the last dance, so enjoy it because it will be difficult to find someone like him.”

Ronaldo, however, has now made clear that no final decision has been taken.

Portugal’s all-time leading scorer helped his side reach the World Cup last 16 stage by converting a second-half penalty against Croatia before Gonçalo Ramos struck a dramatic stoppage-time winner. Roberto Martínez’s side will now face Spain on Monday for a place in the quarter-finals.

Michael Bruxo

Journalist for the Portugal Resident.