Cristiano Ronaldo confirmed that the 2026 World Cup will be the last of his career and had a tense exchange with a Brazilian journalist. The 41-year-old Portuguese forward defended his performance and his starting position in the national team.
The Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed that the 2026 World Cup will be the last of his career, in a press conference ahead of the match against Spain that was also marked by a tense exchange with a journalist. With three goals in the tournament, the 41-year-old player made it clear that his retirement from the national team will not be dictated by external criticism.
The face-off with Marcelo Bechler
During the appearance, Ronaldo pointed directly at a journalist in the room and shot back: “I challenge you to ask a good question, I know you don’t like me”. The journalist in question, Marcelo Bechler from TNT Sports Brazil and Folha de São Paulo, responded with a question about the difficulties of playing in a World Cup at 41.
The footballer’s reply was swift: “Talking to you, who don’t want me here, especially you, I know”. The atmosphere in the room became tense, but Ronaldo maintained his defiant stance, something common in his media appearances.
The exchange did not go unnoticed by those present, who saw how the Portuguese once again displayed his combative character even off the pitch. A gesture that his supporters interpret as passion and his critics as arrogance.
Last World Cup: the announced farewell
When pressed by journalists on whether this will be his last World Cup, Ronaldo was emphatic: “I will finish when I want, as I said years ago, not when you want”. He considered the question a waste of time and redirected the focus to the match against Spain.
The forward did confirm that this is his last World Cup: “Let it be my last World Cup, it will be my last World Cup… I will enjoy it day by day. Hopefully, tomorrow won’t be my last match, so you can kill me a bit more,” he said with irony. The statement makes it clear that, despite his age, he still believes in his capabilities.
At 41 years old, Ronaldo is the oldest player in the tournament and his presence in the starting eleven has been questioned by some analysts. However, his three goals so far in the World Cup silence some critics, though not all.
Defending his legacy and praise for Spain
Ronaldo also took the opportunity to defend himself against criticism of his performance: “I’m not doing that badly. I’ve already scored three goals… You don’t want to see me here anymore, it will come. I’ve given everything I had. I play for the passion.” He added that winning a World Cup will not define his career, but rather he enjoys the day-to-day.
Regarding tomorrow's opponent, Spain, the Portuguese had kind words: “I have a very special affection for Spain. I have many things there: businesses, a house, friends, my family is practically Spanish.” He considers Spain a favourite due to their history but trusts in Portugal's victory.
He also referred to the young promise Lamine Yamal: “Spain has a lot of talent, it cannot be individualised. It has a bright future. He is doing very well. He has a vibrant future.” A gesture of sportsmanship towards a rival who could be his generational replacement.
The press conference left a bittersweet image: that of a champion who knows he is at the twilight of his career but is not willing to leave without standing up, both on and off the field. Portugal faces Spain this Wednesday in a decisive match for the future of both teams in the World Cup.
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