Read 3 minutesUpdated: 3 July 2026 10:21 AM IST
Cristiano Ronaldo has dismissed claims by his sister Katia Aveiro that he will retire from international football after the 2026 World Cup and will not make a decision until after Portugal’s tournament.
Speaking ahead of Portugal’s tough Round of 32 clash against Croatia, Katia appeared on Portuguese media outlet Sport TV and said: “Enjoy it while it lasts. It’s over soon.”
Ronaldo said the decision to retire could last for days, converting a crucial 68th-minute penalty that helped Portugal draw with Croatia in Toronto before Goncalo Ramos’ stoppage-time winner put them through to the knockout stages.
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“It doesn’t matter now,” Ronaldo told reporters after receiving the Superior Player of the Match award. “After winning or losing the tournament, I’ll have time to talk about it; I will talk to my family and then I will take the best decision.”
Vencemos por nós, pelo Diogo e por Portugal!!! VAMOS!!!! pic.twitter.com/pOOm7XRlCY
— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) 3 July 2026
He added: “I no longer make decisions in the heat of the moment; everything is done calmly now. All that matters to me now is to enjoy the moment and help the national team,” the 41-year-old said after scoring his first World Cup knockout goal from the penalty spot.
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Speaking about Ronaldo’s retirement on Sport TV, Katia revealed, “I have information from a reliable source… this is his last dance.
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“I believe they will not say goodbye today, but it will come soon. I believe this is goodbye.
“So enjoy it a lot because it will be hard to find someone after 200 goals. I’m talking about the Portuguese national team,” she said.
Ronaldo took his international goals tally to 146 in 232 appearances with his first World Cup knockout goal. It was his third match of the ongoing World Cup campaign after scoring twice against Uzbekistan in the group stage. An emotional Ronaldo at the final whistle also paid tribute to his former team-mate Diogo Jota, who died on this day last year.
“The coincidence of life, it’s incredible,” Ronaldo told Fox Sports. “We knew it before the game. It was a very special moment. We talk today, about our group, the coincidence of life. It’s unbelievable.”