Cristiano RonaldoHis remarkable international career could be entering its final chapter, with his sister Katia Aveiro revealing that the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the Portuguese legend’s “last dance” in national colours.The emotional revelation came as Ronaldo continued to make football history, inspiring Portugal to a dramatic 2-1 victory over Croatia in the round of 16, becoming the oldest player ever to score in FIFA World Cup knockout match and the oldest outfielder to start a Men’s World Cup knockout match.Speaking outside Toronto Stadium ahead of Portugal’s knockout clash, Aveiro suggested the curtain would come down on one of the greatest international careers the game has ever seen.“According to the information I have, I can say goodbye,” she told Sport TV. “Not today, but I believe this is a farewell. I’m talking about the national team. From reliable sources, the ‘last dance’, the World Cup.”
Ronaldo bowed out in style with more World Cup history
If this is indeed Ronaldo’s farewell tournament with Portugal, he guarantees it will be remembered for the right reasons.Against Croatia, the 41-year-old converted a second-half penalty as Portugal secured a place in the round of 16. In that way, Ronaldo became the oldest goalscorer in FIFA World Cup knockout stage history at 41 years and 147 dayssurpassing Lionel Messi’s previous mark.His goal was also his first in a World Cup knockout match despite appearing in six editions of the tournament.The Portugal captain also moved into second place on the all-time list of the World Cup’s oldest goalscorers, ahead of only Cameroon great Roger Milla, who scored in 1994 aged 42 years and 39 days.Before kick-off, Ronaldo had already created history by becoming the oldest outfield player ever to start a FIFA Men’s World Cup knockout match. The milestone came just a day after Bosnia and Herzegovina captain Edin Džeko briefly held the record, while Croatian international Luka Modrić also started, making it the first World Cup game to feature two outfield players over the age of 40 on opposing sides.Ronaldo’s appearance was also his 26th at the World Cup, leaving him just one behind German legend Lothar Matthäus and three behind all-time leader Lionel Messi.
‘I felt like I was already retired’
Ronaldo’s latest heroics against Croatia completed an incredible turnaround after he came under heavy criticism following Portugal’s opening 1-1 draw with DR Congo, where he failed to score.The veteran forward responded with a goal against Uzbekistan before carrying that momentum into the knockout stages with another game-winning performance against Croatia.Reflecting on his return to form after the Uzbekistan match, Ronaldo said: “I knew it. God helps those who work hard. It was a tough, dark week. I felt like I had already retired from football, but I held on as always because I believe in hard work more than football. It was difficult, I must admit, but we came back.”He added: “Very happy, but for me the most important thing is the work the team did and the confidence we had. We conceded a lot of goals during the week, we knew it was going to happen. The team worked very well and we improved a lot.”
Sister defends Portuguese icon amid criticism
Ronaldo’s performances sparked intense debate throughout the tournament, with reports even suggesting unrest within the Portuguese camp after the first draw.Aveiro appeared to back criticism from some of Ronaldo’s teammates earlier by liking a social media post targeting Bruno Fernandes, fueling speculation of tensions within the squad.However, she strongly defended her brother after his return to form.“For intelligent people, those who love football must love Ronaldo,” she said. “They’re the ones who lose. He’s been tearing it up for 20 years.”With 232 international appearances and 146 goals for Portugal, Ronaldo is already alone as the all-time leading goalscorer in men’s international football.
