Ronaldo's Last Dance?
Ronaldo's Sister Fuels Retirement Talk Before Portugal's Crucial World Cup Knockout Clash with Croatia
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Key Points
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Katia Aveiro indicated that Ronaldo’s retirement could also mark the end of Luka Modrić’s era, saying in effect that it may be the last dance for two players—Portugal and Croatia.
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Ronaldo is the only footballer in history to score at least one goal in six different World Cups, underscoring his unique World Cup longevity.
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In six World Cups, Ronaldo has never scored or assisted a knockout-stage goal, highlighting a notable gap in his tournament knockout record.
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Ronaldo’s Portugal career stats at this point include 231 appearances and 145 goals, reinforcing his status as the national team's record scorer and most-capped player.
Cristiano Ronaldo, 41, is set to start for Portugal against Croatia in a World Cup Round of 32 match in Toronto — and his sister says it could be his final appearance for his country. Katia Aveiro told SportTV that this World Cup is Ronaldo's "last dance," suggesting his 23-year international career is nearing its end.
beIN Sports reports that Aveiro said her information came from a reliable source. She also suggested the match could mark the end of an era for both Ronaldo and Croatia's Luka Modrić — two legends playing out their final chapters on the same stage.
Katia Aveiro's Retirement Hint Shakes Portugal Camp
Ronaldo's sister Katia made the bombshell claim on Portuguese television. "It's the last dance," she said, according to AS. She said she had inside knowledge of her brother's plans. The comments sent shockwaves through the football world just days before the high-stakes knockout tie.
Head Topics reports that Katia framed the moment as historic for both teams. She implied that if Portugal lose to Croatia, Ronaldo will walk away from international football for good. Croatia's Modrić, also 41, faces the same crossroads — making the Toronto clash a farewell showdown for two of the sport's greatest players.
Ronaldo's World Cup Record: Historic Highs and Haunting Gaps
Ronaldo is the only player in history to score at least one goal in six different World Cups. His 231 caps and 145 goals for Portugal make him the country's all-time leader in both categories. No player has represented a nation at the top level for as long or as consistently.
Yet one glaring gap remains. In six World Cups, Ronaldo has never scored or assisted a goal in the knockout stage, according to The People's Person. Portugal have never won the World Cup during his era. A win over Croatia would give him a rare chance to finally change that knockout record before he hangs up his international boots.
Portugal vs. Croatia: A Must-Win Match in Toronto
Portugal face Croatia in the Round of 32 — the first knockout round of the expanded 2026 World Cup. A loss ends their tournament. It would also, if Katia is right, end Ronaldo's international career on the spot. The match is set in Toronto, Canada, one of three host nations for the 2026 edition.
beIN Sports notes that controversy has followed Ronaldo throughout this tournament, with questions raised about his form and his role in the squad at 41. Still, Portugal's coach has kept faith and handed him the captain's armband and a starting spot. The team's World Cup hopes rest largely on whether their record scorer can finally deliver in the knockout rounds.
A 23-Year Career Hanging on One Result
Ronaldo made his Portugal debut in 2002. He has since played in every major international tournament, won Euro 2016, and became the most-capped player in the history of the sport. His 145 international goals are a world record. No exit from football could ever erase that legacy.
But the World Cup title has always been missing. AS points out that Ronaldo, now 41, has one realistic shot left. If Portugal advance past Croatia, the dream lives on. If they fall, Katia's words suggest the curtain comes down — and one of football's greatest careers ends quietly in Toronto.
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