Cristiano Ronaldo remains a force of nature but seemingly not much longer.
Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo has already made history as only the third player to play in six World Cups ahead of his country’s round-of-32 clash with Croatia.
At 41, the forward continues to perform on the biggest stage, winning an array of major honours and hoping to end his country’s lengthy wait for World Cup glory.
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Cristiano Ronaldo’s international future revealed
He also holds the distinction as the leading men’s international goal scorer after netting 145 times for Roberto Martinez’s side throughout his incredible career.
But the question of when Ronaldo will finally call time on a lifetime of records after almost a quarter of a century remains as the Selecao enter the knockout stage.
Shortly before Ronaldo prepared to go head-to-head with his former Real Madrid teammate Luka Modric at Toronto Stadium, a hint at that moment finally surfaced.
Ronaldo’s sister Katia Aveiro claimed before the showdown that Portugal’s potential elimination will spell the end of her brother’s glittering international career.
“From the information I have, from a reliable source, I believe that this is the last dance, so let’s enjoy it,” the pop star told Portuguese outlet Sport TV.
“I believe it’s not today that they’ll say goodbye, but it’s coming soon. I strongly believe this is the farewell.
“So enjoy it a lot because it will be difficult to find someone after 200 goals. I’m talking about the Portuguese national team.”
Confirmation of Ronaldo’s potential international retirement would come just a year before his current deal with the Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Nassr is set to expire.
He previously stated in a November 2025 interview with Piers Morgan that hanging up his boots would likely happen ‘soon’ and admitting that he will cry when it does.
Could this really be the beginning of the end?