Ronaldo's sister reveals Portugal vs Croatia could be his international farewell

Cristiano Ronaldo could be playing his final game for Portugal after his sister Katia Aveiro revealed that a defeat to Croatia in their World Cup round-of-32 tie in Toronto would bring his 23-year international career to a close.

Speaking to Portuguese broadcaster SportTV before kick-off, Aveiro said: “Enjoy it while it lasts. It’s ending soon. The info I have, from a reliable source… this is his last dance.” She subsequently clarified that her comments referred specifically to Ronaldo’s international career rather than club football.

Ronaldo, 41, was named in Roberto Martinez’s starting line-up for the match, captaining Portugal as they looked to advance to a last-16 meeting with Spain. A victory would keep alive the prospect of another deep run at a major tournament for the five-time Ballon d’Or winner; a defeat, according to his sister, would draw the curtain on one of international football’s most decorated careers.

Ronaldo made his senior debut for Portugal in 2002 and has since become the country’s all-time leading scorer and the record holder for international goals in men’s football. His presence in Martinez’s squad for this tournament had already prompted debate about whether the 2026 World Cup would serve as a fitting final chapter, but Aveiro’s comments suggest the decision may hinge on tonight’s result alone.

Portugal entered the knockout stage having come through their group, while Croatia, a side that reached the final of the 2018 World Cup and the semi-finals in 2022, represented a stern test of their ambitions.