Cristiano Ronaldo’s announcement that the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada will be the final World Cup of his career marks the beginning of the end of an extraordinary international journey. For more than two decades, the Portuguese captain has carried the hopes of a nation, broken countless records, and won nearly everything the sport has to offer. Yet, even as he prepares for what will be his sixth appearance at football’s biggest tournament, questions continue to emerge about how much longer Ronaldo will remain active at the international level.
While Ronaldo has made it clear that the next World Cup will be his last, he has not declared retirement from football. On the contrary, the 40-year-old forward continues to thrive at Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, where his current contract runs until 2027. This alone suggests that his playing career — and possibly his international involvement — could extend beyond the 2026 tournament.
According to former Manchester United teammate Wes Brown, there is every reason to believe that Ronaldo could still be wearing Portugal’s colors at Euro 2028. Brown, who played alongside Ronaldo under Sir Alex Ferguson, believes the superstar’s competitive spirit and unmatched commitment make an extended international career entirely possible.
Speaking to Goal, Brown explained that Ronaldo’s mentality sets him apart from almost every player of his generation. “If he can contribute something to the team, why not select him?” Brown asked.
He pointed out that Ronaldo doesn’t necessarily have to start every match or play all 90 minutes to remain valuable. “Look at the last competition: everyone said he shouldn’t play, but he ended up performing well,” Brown said, referring to Ronaldo’s displays at Euro 2024 and in subsequent qualifiers.
What stands out to Brown is Ronaldo’s ability to handle pressure — pressure that has only increased with age. “He knows very well that if he doesn’t score or assist, people will criticize him,” Brown said. “But he’s not bothered by that. In his mind, it’s not over yet. He still believes he can make a difference.” This belief, Brown insists, is what has kept Ronaldo at the elite level long after most players would have retired.
Brown also highlighted Ronaldo’s physical preparation and professionalism, which remain exceptional despite his age. He emphasized that “few people can say they still have that level of energy, focus, and determination” past the age of 40, especially at the international level. Yet Ronaldo continues to show every sign that he intends to push himself for as long as his body and mind allow.
Euro 2028 could end up being another historic moment for Ronaldo — not only because it would extend his international career but because it may be his final opportunity to compete alongside or against his longtime rival, Lionel Messi. Messi, now with Inter Miami, led Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar on December 18, 2022, defeating France in an unforgettable final. If Messi chooses to extend his own international career, the tournament could offer one more chapter in football’s greatest rivalry.
For Ronaldo, however, the goal is far simpler: to contribute, to compete, and to win. Brown made it clear that the Portuguese star does not need a World Cup or any additional trophy to cement his legend. “Believe me, Ronaldo doesn’t need that to prove anything,” Brown said. “But he’ll still want to win it.”
Brown also believes that many fans — whether Portuguese or not — would love to see Ronaldo lift the World Cup before he finally walks away from the international stage. But even if that dream remains difficult to achieve, Brown insists it will certainly be part of Ronaldo’s ambitions heading into 2026.
One thing, however, is certain: Cristiano Ronaldo’s story is not finished. Whether he continues with Portugal through Euro 2028 or decides to step away after the World Cup, he has already done more than enough to secure his place in football history. Yet, as Brown suggests, Ronaldo’s hunger, drive, and passion for the game mean he will keep chasing new challenges until the day he finally chooses to retire — a day that may still be further away than many expect.