Cristiano Ronaldo’s sister Katia dropped what looks like a pretty definitive update on the Portugal captain’s international future. And if you’re holding out hope for one more Euro run from the 41-year-old, you might want to sit down.
Speaking to Portuguese outlet SPORT TV, Katia made it clear that this World Cup in North America is the end of the road for her brother in the national team jersey. She called it “the last dance” not just for Ronaldo but for some veteran Croatian players too.
“We have to enjoy these moments. It’s the last dance for two players, both for Croatia and for Portugal,” she said. “The most important thing is to enjoy these 20-odd years that we’ve lived, won, and come so far.”
When asked directly if Ronaldo would captain Portugal at Euro 2028, she didn’t leave much room for interpretation. “From the information I have, they can say goodbye. Enjoy it while it lasts. It’s not today that they’re saying goodbye, but it’s soon. I believe this is their farewell.”
A World Cup of ups and downs
Ronaldo has had a typical Ronaldo tournament so far, which means a mix of frustration and brilliance. He struggled in Portugal’s group stage opener against DR Congo, a 1-1 draw where critics accused him of holding the team back. Then he responded the only way he knows how, scoring twice in a 5-0 demolition of Uzbekistan. One of those goals came off an assist from Manchester United teammate Bruno Fernandes.
His third group game against Colombia was quieter though. So it’s been a rollercoaster heading into the knockout rounds.
Portugal now faces Croatia in the Round of 32. Win that and they’re into the last 16, with Ronaldo still chasing the one major trophy that’s eluded him his entire career. He’s won everything else. Multiple Champions Leagues. Five Ballon d’Or awards. A European Championship with Portugal in 2016. But a World Cup title? That’s the missing piece.
What comes next
Ronaldo’s resume is already ridiculous by any standard. He’s Portugal’s all-time leading scorer with 145 goals, a number that might never be touched. If this really is his last international tournament, he’ll leave a hole that Portugal probably can’t fill with one player. They’ll have to do it by committee.
His contract with Al Nassr runs through 2027, so club football continues. But international retirement at 41 after a World Cup would make sense. Most players are done long before that. The fact that he’s still out there at this level is almost absurd.
For now, Portugal fans should probably just watch every minute they can. Katia made it sound like the countdown is already running.
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