Sophie Cunningham Isn’t Ready for Ronaldo’s World Cup Goodbye — and Neither Are We

There’s something about watching a legend step onto the stage for the last time that hits differently. For WNBA star Sophie Cunningham, that moment is coming in 2026 — and she’s already feeling it.

The Indiana Fever sharpshooter recently shared an Instagram post that listed players expected to make their final World Cup appearance in 2026. At the top of that list? Cristiano Ronaldo. Cunningham’s reaction was simple but telling: two emojis, no words needed. The post itself was captioned “One Last Dance.”

Ronaldo, now 41, is preparing for his sixth World Cup after debuting in 2006. He’s Portugal’s all-time leading scorer and arguably the most recognizable athlete on the planet. But this tournament feels different — not just for him, but for an entire generation of fans who’ve watched him evolve from a raw winger with stepovers into a goal-scoring machine chasing 1,000 career goals.

The Weight of a Final Chapter

For Cunningham, Ronaldo isn’t just another athlete. He’s a role model. And when a role model you’ve followed for two decades is about to hang up his national team boots for good, it stings — even if you’re a professional athlete yourself.

“One Last Dance” isn’t just a caption; it’s a sentiment shared by millions. Everyone from casual viewers to elite competitors like Cunningham is preparing to soak in every moment of Ronaldo’s swan song.

What’s at Stake for Portugal and Ronaldo

Ronaldo has scored eight career World Cup goals, with four of those coming in 2018. His other tournaments produced just one goal each — a stat he’ll be eager to improve on this time around. With Portugal drawn into a group that includes Congo DR, Uzbekistan, and Colombia, there should be ample opportunity for him to add to that total and inch closer to the 1,000-goal milestone.

Portugal opens its campaign against Congo DR on June 17 at 1 p.m. ET, followed by matches against Uzbekistan (June 23, 1 p.m. ET) and Colombia (June 27, 7:30 p.m. ET).

Whether Ronaldo lifts the trophy or exits in the group stage, one thing is certain: this will be the last time the world sees him in a World Cup jersey. For fans like Cunningham — and really, for anyone who loves sports — that’s a moment worth cherishing.