Cristiano Ronaldo recently confirmed that the Euro 2024 will be his last European Championship. The Portugal forward had an emotional night, missing a penalty against Slovenia but leading his team to a penalty shootout victory. Ronaldo expressed his love for the game and the support he receives from his fans, family, and others. It was already expected that Ronaldo would not play at Euro 2028, and it is rare for a soccer player to continue playing at the age of 43.
Ronaldo plays for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia but remains a key player for Portugal. His role in the team has even been enhanced since Roberto Martinez took over as head coach. As Ronaldo focuses on the current tournament, Portugal is set to face a tough challenge against France in the quarterfinals, a rematch of the 2016 final.
Ronaldo’s career has been compared to that of Tom Brady, with both athletes achieving success and accolades over a sustained period. Brady and Ronaldo met in 2022 at a Manchester United game, where Ronaldo scored a hat trick against Tottenham. Ronaldo jokingly asked Brady if he was retiring, to which Brady responded by coming out of retirement the next day. Ronaldo, however, is not ready to retire just yet and continues to have a positive impact on the Portugal team.
While Ronaldo’s retirement date is uncertain, it is likely to be within the next four years. Fans can expect to see more from Ronaldo in the upcoming World Cup in 2026, held in the USA, Mexico, and Canada. Ronaldo’s legacy in the sport of football is undeniable, and his presence on the field will be missed when he eventually decides to retire.