“That will be the time he says, ‘I’m happy’” - Nani highlights what could lead to Cristiano Ronaldo retiring in peace

Nani believes Cristiano Ronaldo will retire happily if Portugal can win the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He said that the tournament is important for the legendary forward and that he will give it his all.

Cristiano Ronaldo has won almost everything in football, but has yet to win the FIFA World Cup. He has featured in the competition five times but couldn't lift the trophy. Next year will most likely be his last opportunity to win it, with Portugal having qualified already.

In an interview with Covers, former Portugal and Manchester United forward Nani opened up on the importance of the World Cup for Ronaldo. He said:

"I think this World Cup is very important for Cristiano Ronaldo. If he can play and win, that will be the perfect end to his career. I think that will be the time he says, 'I'm happy, I'm retired now. I'll just drink my coffee and my tea and have peace. I don't want any more training sessions. I don't want anything to do with football.' "He will give his best to help the country, as he's always been doing. I think he's motivated, you can see the way he's been playing. So I think it will be a great season for him as well, and then probably we'll have a chance. We've got a chance."

Nani, who retired in December 2024, shared the pitch 131 times with Ronaldo at Portugal and Manchester United, combining for 14 goals.

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Former Manchester United coach says Cristiano Ronaldo would swap 1000 goals for World Cup trophy

Rene Meulensteen recently said that Cristiano Ronaldo would desperately want to win the FIFA World Cup. The former Manchester United coach added that Portugal have a good squad and could win the trophy next year. He said:

"Cristiano Ronaldo would swap his 1000 goals for World Cup glory, I think he would. The World Cup is exceptional. Don't get me wrong, Portugal has exceptionally good players but I tell you what, it's bloody hard to win the World Cup. Just go back to the World Cup final with Argentina and France. "It ended up 3-3 with two exceptional players, Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe, both performing unbelievably. To be honest, Portugal will definitely say, ‘Listen, we've got possibly one of the best squads to go into a World Cup for years,’ but it's a big ask."

Ronaldo is the all-time top scorer in men's football with 952 goals for club and country. He has scored nine goals and provided two assists in 10 games across competitions for Al-Nassr this season.

Edited by Aditya Singh