Portuguese soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo has announced that this World Cup will be his last, with Portugal preparing for their round of 16 match against Spain that will take place on Monday in Dallas. 

The 41-year-old has played in the last six editions of the tournament, becoming the first ever player to score in six. Ronaldo says he won’t be playing at the 2030 edition that will also be co-hosted by Portugal, alongside Spain and Morocco. 

Speaking ahead of the match against Spain, Ronaldo said, “This will be my last World Cup, but let’s hope tomorrow isn’t my last game.”

The soccer star has scored three goals so far at the World Cup. Two against Uzbekistan and then his first ever goal in the knockout stages against Croatia, when he scored a penalty. Ronaldo didn’t mention anything about a potential retirement, just that simply he won’t play another World Cup.

“The day will come, but I’ll be honest — whatever happens tomorrow, Cristiano will leave with a clear conscience, not 100%, but 1000%. Because I’ve given everything in soccer. I don’t need it, I have a good life, but it’s about passion. I play football because I love it … You have to enjoy every day. And I’ve scored three goals so far. I’m not doing too badly, right?”

He was also asked about his thoughts on his rival on Monday, Lamine Yamal.

“He’s a player with a big future. But for me, I always see Spain as a whole, they’re all good … The more prepared you are, the better you’ll survive a long football career, if that’s what you want. If you listen to criticism, you’re lost. 

There’s constructive criticism, and there’s criticism meant to kill you, too. You have to adapt if you want a long career, and focus on the love, the passion of the fans. Over time, I learned to be connected to the people who love you, and have passion for what you’re doing.” (CBS)

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Cristiano Ronaldo gave another demonstration of his enduring quality by scoring from a bicycle kick for his Saudi Arabian club on Sunday.

The 40-year-old Portugal superstar met a cross from the right wing with an acrobatic volley that was too fierce for the goalkeeper to keep out, with the goal crowning Al Nassr’s 4-1 win over Al Khaleej in the Saudi Pro League.

Ronaldo has just returned from international duty with Portugal, during which he was sent off against Ireland, but celebrated his country qualifying for the World Cup.

If he goes, it will be a record sixth appearance in the World Cup. (ESPN)

We interrupt your NFL Sunday for a Ronaldo bicycle kick
pic.twitter.com/488IaBqD9V

— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) November 23, 2025

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Cristiano Ronaldo may face a suspension at the start of next summer’s World Cup finals, assuming Portugal secure qualification, after receiving the first red card of his senior international career in Thursday’s shock defeat to the Republic of Ireland.

The 40-year-old was dismissed in Dublin during Portugal’s 2–0 loss, a result driven by Troy Parrott’s first-half brace. Ronaldo initially received a yellow card just past the hour mark for catching defender Dara O’Shea with his elbow while contesting a corner. But after a VAR review, Swedish referee Glenn Nyberg upgraded the caution to a straight red, News.Az reports, citing foreign media.

Ronaldo reacted angrily, exchanging words with Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson as he left the pitch. Tensions between the two had simmered before kickoff, with Ronaldo accusing Hallgrimsson of pressuring officials and Hallgrimsson later joking that referees should not let Ronaldo “referee the game” himself.

Irish supporters mocked Ronaldo with exaggerated crying gestures, mimicking an earlier gesture he had made at O’Shea, prompting a sarcastic thumbs-up from the Portugal captain.

Hallgrimsson later said Ronaldo told him he had “complimented” him for influencing the referee but insisted the dismissal was solely the result of Ronaldo’s actions on the field. “This was just a moment of a little silliness from him,” he added.

Portugal manager Roberto Martinez defended his captain, calling the red card “harsh” and claiming Ronaldo had spent nearly an hour “being grabbed, being pulled, being pushed” before the incident. Martinez argued the clash with O’Shea looked worse on camera than it was in reality.

Why Ronaldo Could Be Banned for the World Cup

Ronaldo will automatically miss Portugal’s next qualifier against Armenia on Sunday as they attempt to secure their place in the 2026 World Cup. Portugal lead Group F by two points with one match remaining.

If Portugal qualify, FIFA’s disciplinary regulations mean Ronaldo could face further suspension. Serious foul play carries a mandatory ban of at least two matches, while violent conduct, including elbowing, requires a minimum three-match ban, according to ESPN.

Because such suspensions must be served in competitive matches, not friendlies, Ronaldo could be forced to miss Portugal’s first one or two games at the World Cup if qualification is secured on Sunday.

The 40-year-old has already confirmed that the 2026 tournament will be the final World Cup of his career, adding extra weight to the disciplinary committee’s impending decision.

Should Portugal fail to top Group F and be pushed into the UEFA play-offs, any extended ban would instead be served against Armenia and subsequently in the play-off semi-final and final — potentially allowing Ronaldo to start the World Cup with a clean slate.

The football world now awaits FIFA’s ruling as Ronaldo faces the possibility of beginning his final World Cup on the sidelines. (News Az)

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Cristiano Ronaldo has broken the world record for the most subscribers in an hour after launching his new YouTube channel.

The sporting superstar made the announcement that he was starting up his own page on the popular social media site on Instagram.

And after just an hour of the page’s launch, Ronaldo had reached a million subscribers in an hour – the fastest anyone has ever reached the milestone.

The Portuguese frontman already holds the record for the most Instagram followers in the world, boasting a total of over 636 million.

Whether Ronaldo can reach that amount on YouTube remains to be seen, though he is on the right track.

YouTube superstar Mr Beast currently holds the record for the most subscribed channel in the world, who currently has over 311 million.

And fans are already insisting that Ronaldo could best the American media personality, including MMA star Dilon Danis, who wrote: “Mr beast is dead now haha.”

Another put: “Cristiano about to take over YouTube.”

While a third replied: “MrBeast who? Ronaldo is coming.”

Ronaldo might have one eye on what is next in his career as he approaches the age of 40 but is still plying his trade for Saudi side Al-Nassr.

However, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s footballing prowess might be waning after a poor summer where he failed to score for Portugal at Euro 2024.

Indeed, he was told to retire after Al-Nassr were thrashed 4-1 by Al-Hilal in the Saudi Super Cup, despite getting on the scoresheet.

And YouTube might be the route which Ronaldo could take in his post-football career, with his channel being titled ‘UR’.

There are already several clips posted on the channel away from his football life, including his partner Georgina Rodriguez and their children.

It was also confirmed that the former Manchester United star will host a number of mystery guests who he will interview.

Speaking on Instagram, Ronaldo said: “I am very happy to make this project come to life. It has been in my mind for a long time but finally we have the opportunity to make it real.

“I have always enjoyed having such a strong relationship with fans on social media and my YouTube channel will give me an even bigger platform to do so and they will learn more about me, my family and my views on many different subjects.

“I am looking forward to sharing conversations with guests that will surprise people!” (GBNews)

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