Ronaldo to leave national team after the World Cup

A notable claim about Cristiano Ronaldo's national-team future has come onto the agenda. According to reports, Ronaldo's sister Katia Aveiro stated that her brother will retire from the Portugal national team after the 2026 World Cup. This statement found a wide echo during these days as the tournament continues.

According to what was reported, Katia Aveiro touched on the topic on a television program. His sister, saying that the end of the road is approaching, said these moments should be enjoyed. Stating that, according to information she obtained from a reliable source, this is Ronaldo's "last dance," Katia pointed to her brother's national-team career coming to an end with this tournament.

It is stated that the claim in question concerns only the player's international career. The 41-year-old Ronaldo's contract with Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr runs until 2027; therefore, it was expressed that this retirement concerns his national-team career, not his club career. It was recalled that Ronaldo himself had previously announced that the 2026 World Cup would be his last World Cup and last major international tournament of his career.

It is underlined that this claim is not an official statement from Ronaldo but is based on his sister's comments as relayed on a program. Portugal were drawn against Croatia in the World Cup Round of 32. Ronaldo's performance in the tournament, and a possible decision he may make about his national-team future, will remain one of the most talked-about storylines on the football agenda in the coming days.

Source: Fabrizio Romano
Image: Al Jazeera