Soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo says the 2026 World Cup will be his last, while retirement could be on the horizon in “probably one or two years.”

Ronaldo spoke during a CNN interview held at a forum in Saudi Arabia, making a video call into the event while away with Portugal’s national team on Tuesday, Nov. 11.

“Definitely, yes, because I will be 41 years old,” Ronaldo said, regarding the World Cup.

Ronaldo’s comments regarding both topics come one week after he was interviewed by Piers Morgan, saying he could retire “soon.”

Ronaldo joked during the summit, saying “soon for me means in 10 years” before adding:

“I feel very good in this moment. I score goals, I still feel quick and sharp. I'm enjoying my game in the national team. But of course, let's be honest. What I mean by soon, it’s probably one or two years.”

Ronaldo, whose birthday is Feb. 5, is signed with Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr until 2027. He has scored more than 950 goals for club and country, and is soccer’s all-time men's leader in the category.

Has Portugal qualified for the World Cup?

Portugal could qualify for the World Cup during this FIFA international window, when they visit Ireland on Nov. 13. They will also host Armenia on Nov. 16.

Portugal has 10 points after four matches in Group F, and needs just two points to qualify.

If Portugal reaches the World Cup, its schedule won’t be finalized until the World Cup draw on Dec. 5.

How many World Cups has Ronaldo played in?

Ronaldo and Lionel Messi would become the first players to play in six World Cups if they both appear in the tournament next summer.

Ronaldo and Portugal were eliminated in the semifinals in 2006, the Round of 16 in 2010, the group stage in 2014, the Round of 16 in 2018, and the quarterfinals in 2022.

Messi, the 2022 World Cup winner, is training with Argentina in preparation for the tournament. He has said he will make a formal announcement on playing in the World Cup after the 2026 MLS preseason.

When is the 2026 World Cup?

The World Cup – co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico – begins June 11, 2026 in Mexico City.

The World Cup final is July 19, 2026 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Cristiano Ronaldo says 2026 World Cup will be his last. When will legend retire?

Reporting by Safid Deen, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

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