World Cup: Cristiano Ronaldo reacts to retirement rumors spread by sister
Cristiano Ronaldo has finally put an end to retirement rumors surrounding his international future after Portugal booked their place in the last 16 of the FIFA World Cup with a dramatic 2-1 win over Croatia.
The Portugal captain, who scored his first ever goal in a World Cup knockout match on Thursday, was asked after the match whether the tournament could mark the end of his storied international career.
Speculation has intensified ahead of Portugal’s round of 32 clash after Ronaldo’s sister Katia Aveiro said the World Cup was likely to be his “last dance” in Portugal colours.
“The information I have, from a reliable source, it’s his last dance,” said Katia, speaking to Sport TV.
“I believe that it is not today that they will say goodbye, but it will come soon. I firmly believe that this is a farewell.”
However, Ronaldo refused to be drawn into the discussion and insisted that any decisions on his future would be made after Portugal’s World Cup.
“That’s not important now,” Ronaldo told reporters after the match.
“I will have time to talk about it after winning or losing the tournament. I will talk to my family and then I will make the most appropriate decision.”
The 41-year-old added that he was no longer someone who made decisions in the heat of the moment.
“I no longer make decisions in the heat of the moment, now everything is done calmly. At the moment, all I care about is enjoying my presence and helping the national team.”
Ronaldo’s comments came after an emotional night in Toronto.
PORTUGAL vs. CROATIA: DRAMA IN TORONTO
Portugal fell behind through Ivan Perisic early in the second half before Ronaldo equalized with a penalty in the 68th minute. The goal was a landmark for the experienced striker who finally scored his first ever goal in the knockout stages of the FIFA World Cup after six appearances in multiple editions of the tournament.
Substitute Goncalo Ramos then headed home a dramatic stoppage-time winner to send Portugal through to the last 16, where they will face Spain in one of the biggest games of the tournament.
The goal capped off an impressive turnaround for Ronaldo as well, who endured a tough opening week at the World Cup.
The veteran striker failed to find the net in Portugal’s opener against the Democratic Republic of Congo, prompting fresh questions about whether age has finally caught up with one of football’s greatest goalscorers.
Ronaldo answered those doubts with two goals in Portugal’s second group stage match before adding another crucial strike against Croatia.
RONALDO: A DIFFICULT START AT THE FIFA WORLD CUP
Reflecting on his difficult start to the tournament after winning the group stage, Ronaldo admitted he had a tough time.
“It was a difficult week, a dark week. It felt like I had retired from football. But I stayed there, as always, because I believe in hard work more than anything else,” Ronaldo said.
“It’s been tough, I must admit, but we’re back.
With Spain now sandwiched between Portugal and progressing to the quarter-finals, Ronaldo has made it clear his focus is firmly on the present.
Questions about retirement can wait until Portugal’s World Cup tour is over, he said.
Football World Cup | FIFA World Cup Schedule | FIFA World Cup Points Table | football news
– The end
Issued by:
Kingshuk Kusari
Published on:
03 Jul 2026 14:53 IST