Ronaldo's sister claims Portugal's World Cup exit will end his international career

Cristiano Ronaldo’s international career could be drawing to a close, with his sister Katia Aveiro claiming that Portugal’s exit from the 2026 World Cup will bring the curtain down on his time with the Selecao.

The pop star made the revelation ahead of Portugal’s round-of-32 clash with Croatia at Toronto Stadium, where Ronaldo faced former Real Madrid teammate Luka Modric. Speaking to Portuguese outlet Sport TV, Aveiro said: “From the information I have, from a reliable source, I believe that this is the last dance, so let’s enjoy it. I believe it’s not today that they’ll say goodbye, but it’s coming soon. I strongly believe this is the farewell. So enjoy it a lot because it will be difficult to find someone after 200 goals. I’m talking about the Portuguese national team.”

Ronaldo, 41, has already made history at this tournament as only the third player to appear at six World Cups. He remains the leading men’s international goalscorer with 145 goals for Roberto Martinez’s side across a career spanning almost a quarter of a century.

The forward has given his own hints that retirement is approaching. In a November 2025 interview with Piers Morgan, Ronaldo acknowledged that hanging up his boots would likely happen “soon”, and admitted he would cry when the moment arrived.

Any confirmation of his international retirement would come roughly a year before his current contract with Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr is due to expire, leaving his club future similarly unresolved.

Portugal entered the knockout stage still chasing a first-ever World Cup title, with Ronaldo hoping to add the one major honour that has eluded him throughout an otherwise record-laden career.