Cristiano Ronaldo retirement timeline 2026: Shocking news for Football fans, A Sad Day
Portugal head coach Roberto Martínez has delivered the clearest indication yet about Cristiano Ronaldo retirement timeline 2026, stating that the 41-year-old superstar could continue playing “on and on and on” if he chooses to — and that the decision will ultimately come down to Ronaldo himself when he feels he can no longer help the team.
Speaking to the BBC ahead of Portugal’s crucial World Cup qualifiers in November 2025, Martínez was asked directly when he expects Ronaldo to retire. His answer has reignited the global conversation about how much longer one of football’s greatest-ever players can keep performing at the elite level.
Cristiano Ronaldo Retirement Timeline 2026: Roberto Martínez Says CR7 Could Play “On and On and On”
The full quote from the Portugal manager is striking in its confidence:
“Well, we got all the stats. If you were going to analyse a player that is dropping at physical level, that’s not the case. His physical stats are of a player that could go on and on and on. I think it’s more a question of when he’ll feel that is the right time. I think he’s a player that is very critical with himself. When he doesn’t see that he can help the team, he’ll be the one that will decide when to stop.”
This statement directly addresses the Cristiano Ronaldo retirement timeline 2026 speculation that has intensified since Ronaldo himself confirmed in October 2025 that the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico will be his last international tournament.
Current form still elite — 17 goals in 18 Saudi Pro League games – Ronaldo 2026 World Cup last
Despite turning 41 on February 5, 2026, Ronaldo shows no obvious signs of physical decline at club level:
- 17 goals in 18 Saudi Pro League appearances in the 2025/26 season (as of mid-February 2026)
- Career club + country tally now over 960 goals
- Still takes every single training session and recovery detail extremely seriously
Martínez pointed to these numbers and Ronaldo’s data from GPS tracking, sprint distances, high-intensity runs and recovery metrics — all of which remain in the elite category for a forward — as evidence that the body is still capable of continuing.
“He truly is an example” — Martínez on managing the GOAT
When asked what it is like to coach Ronaldo day-to-day, Martínez was unequivocal: Ronaldo 2026 World Cup last
“Very easy, because of his high standards, his expectations of how the work should be done and his commitment to the game. He truly is an example of what you should do to represent Portugal and the national team.”
He also defended the continued selection of Ronaldo — a decision that has faced criticism from some Portuguese media and ex-players:
“He’s a goal-scorer, he’s an important player for us, and it’s the player that he is now that is important for me. As a national team coach, a player that has scored 25 goals in the last 30 international games… it’s not that he’s playing because of what he’s done in the past, it’s what he’s done now.”
Martínez’s comments reinforce that Cristiano Ronaldo retirement timeline 2026 is not being dictated by form or fitness — it’s entirely in Ronaldo’s hands.
The 2026 World Cup — almost certainly his international goodbye
Ronaldo has repeatedly stated that the 2026 World Cup will be his last major tournament with Portugal. He will turn 41 in February 2026, and the tournament runs from June 11 to July 19 across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
If Portugal qualify — they currently lead their group comfortably — Ronaldo will become the first male player in history to appear in six World Cups (2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022, 2026).
Whether he continues playing club football beyond the summer of 2026 is less certain. Martínez’s “on and on and on” remark suggests that even after the World Cup, Ronaldo could still have gas left in the tank — if he wants to keep going.
Ronaldo’s current club situation at Al-Nassr
Ronaldo remains under contract with Al-Nassr until the summer of 2027 (with an option for an additional year). He has scored 103 goals in 109 appearances for the Riyadh club since joining in January 2023.
While there have been occasional rumours of early exits (MLS, a sentimental return to Sporting CP, or even retirement), Ronaldo 2026 World Cup last, Martínez’s comments align with the view inside the Portugal camp: Ronaldo will decide his own timeline, and right now he still believes he can perform at the highest level.
Conclusion: The clock is in Ronaldo’s hands
The Cristiano Ronaldo retirement timeline 2026 is now clearer than ever — the 2026 World Cup will almost certainly be his international farewell, but club retirement could come later if he chooses. Roberto Martínez’s words carry weight because he sees the daily data, the training sessions, the recovery metrics and the hunger.
At 41, most players are long retired. Ronaldo is still scoring 17 goals in 18 league games and preparing for a sixth World Cup. Whether he hangs up his boots in July 2026 or pushes into 2027 or even 2028, one thing is certain: he — and only he — will decide when the ride ends.
What do you think — will Ronaldo stop after the 2026 World Cup, or surprise us all and keep playing into his 40s? Drop your prediction below, Ronaldo 2026 World Cup last.
Locked in pic.twitter.com/eEppx4EJFz
— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) February 13, 2026
Quick FAQs – Cristiano Ronaldo Retirement Timeline 2026
1. Has Ronaldo officially announced his retirement date?
No — he has only confirmed that the 2026 World Cup will be his last major international tournament.
2. What did Roberto Martínez say exactly?
“If you were going to analyse a player that is dropping at physical level, that’s not the case. His physical stats are of a player that could go on and on and on.”
3. How old will Ronaldo be at the 2026 World Cup?
He turns 41 on February 5, 2026. The tournament runs June 11 – July 19, 2026.
4. How many goals has Ronaldo scored this season for Al-Nassr?
17 goals in 18 Saudi Pro League games (as of mid-February 2026).
5. Will Ronaldo play club football after the 2026 World Cup?
Martínez believes he could — it depends entirely on whether Ronaldo still feels he can help a team.
Must Read: Ronaldo no more with Al Nassr?
Cristiano Ronaldo is still training Al Nassr: Ronaldo is back happily 2026
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