Cristiano Ronaldo's sister hints Portugal superstar will retire from international duty after 2026 FIFA World Cup - 'This is the farewell'

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The sister of Cristiano Ronaldo has claimed that Portugal's all-time leading goalscorer will retire from international football after the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The 41-year-old is featuring at his sixth World Cup and is the nation’s most capped player - but the end would appear to be nigh.

Ronaldo and Portugal train ahead of Croatia clash at 2026 World Cup

Video credit: SNTV

Speaking to the Portuguese media ahead of the round-of-32 clash with Croatia, - which Portugal won 2-1 - Katia Aveiro claimed that her brother will end his decorated career with the national team in North America.

The ultimate goal remains to add World Cup glory to the European Championship success of 2016 - but with Portugal co-hosting the 2030 edition, the prospect of Ronaldo defying the wheels of time in a playing capacity at the age of 45 has not officially been ruled out.

That fanciful suggestion now appears to have been squashed after Aveiro indicated that we are now edging closer towards Ronaldo's last appearance in the red and green of his country.

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"From the information that I have, you can start to say goodbye, because I believe this is it - so, enjoy it while you can," Ronaldo's sister told Sport TV on arrival at the Toronto Stadium on Thursday, when asked if the story would continue at Euro 2028.

"I don't think he'll retire today, but it will be soon. I truly believe this is the farewell, so enjoy it a lot because... It will be difficult to find someone like him again.

"I'm talking about the Portuguese national team. The information I have, from a reliable source, I believe it's a last dance. So, let's enjoy it."

Ronaldo has three goals to his name at this summer's tournament so far - two in the 5-0 hammering of Uzbekistan and the equaliser against Croatia - but it has not prevented his performances from attracting scrutiny from those who believe his starting berth is now unwarranted.

'I always get there' - Ronaldo faces down criticism after record-breaking brace

Video credit: SNTV

Having scored 146 goals in his 232 caps for Portugal, Roberto Martinez again gave Ronaldo the nod in his starting XI against Croatia as he looked for a statement performance to kick-start their tournament.

Aveiro was asked what message she would send to her brother's critics ahead of the do-or-die encounter with Croatia, with the mouth-watering prospect of a contest with Spain at stake in the last 16.

"For very intelligent people, those who understand football, those who like football, have to like Cristiano Ronaldo," she said. "Those who don't like Cristiano Ronaldo, don't like football - and they miss out.

"Ronaldo has been breaking records for 20-something years, do you think we're not happy? We've lived through so much, we've achieved so much. Look where we are, the Aveiro family, Cristiano Ronaldo, look where we've come.

"I’m incredibly proud. I was in Qatar, and I’m here. It’s a tremendous pride. I’m confident and we’ll smile at the end. Ronaldo is great and confident, less nervous than us. I felt good energy and confidence. For us fans, it brings comfort. We can trust."

In playing against Croatia, Ronaldo made his 26th World Cup finals appearance, surpassing Germany's Lothar Matthaus - only Lionel Messi (29) has more to his name.

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