Cristiano Ronaldo has decided to continue his international career with Portugal after briefly considering retirement following the team’s exit from the 2026 World Cup. The 41-year-old forward confirmed his decision ahead of Portugal’s UEFA Nations League opener against Wales, putting an end to speculation that his international career could be over.
Ronaldo had already confirmed that the 2026 World Cup would be his final appearance at the tournament. Portugal’s campaign ended in the last 16 with a 1-0 defeat to Spain, prompting fresh questions about whether he would also step away from the national team altogether.
The veteran forward admitted that retirement from international football was something he seriously considered. However, after discussions with Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença and the newly appointed national team coach, Jorge Jesus, Ronaldo concluded that he still had something to offer the team.
“Yes, I did. Of course, I’m always thinking about my decisions, my future, the present also. I’m a thinker; you have to think. This is why you see me here now, it means I will continue.”
Ronaldo explained that his contribution to Portugal is not limited to scoring goals. He believes his experience can also help a younger generation coming through the national team, particularly as Portugal begins a new chapter under Jesus.
“I had a conversation with our president [Pedro Proenca], with our coach. I still believe that I’m able to help the national team to reach what they want. I think I can give the national team my support, not only through the goals, but also outside of football. There is a new young generation, but for me the basic point is to be able on the pitch to score the goals and to help the team win games.”
The decision comes as Portugal begins a new era following Roberto Martínez’s departure. Jorge Jesus has taken over as head coach after previously working with Ronaldo at Al-Nassr, creating a familiar relationship between the manager and Portugal’s most experienced player.
Jesus has already confirmed that Ronaldo will start against Wales in Lisbon. The match is expected to give Ronaldo his 234th appearance for Portugal, extending his record as the country’s most-capped player. He is also Portugal’s all-time leading scorer, with 146 international goals.
Jesus has made it clear, however, that Ronaldo’s reputation alone will not guarantee his place in the team. The new coach has emphasized that selection will continue to depend on performance, even with one of the biggest names in international football in the squad.
“Cristiano is a symbol of Portugal and the national team,” said Jesus, sitting alongside Ronaldo at the Portugal federation’s campus. “If he will play the games, he is not entitled to that, it is up to the manager to decide.”
For Ronaldo, the immediate challenge is now both personal and collective. He enters this new phase with 979 career goals for club and country, leaving him 21 goals away from the 1,000-goal milestone he has openly targeted.
The forward has made it clear that reaching four figures is one of his major ambitions, but he also wants Portugal to compete for another Nations League title. Portugal enters the new campaign as the reigning Nations League champion.
Reaching 1,000 goals in a Portugal shirt would carry particular significance for Ronaldo. With his international career continuing for now, he has the opportunity to reach the milestone while representing the country where his senior international journey began more than two decades ago.
“It would be the cherry on the top of the cake to score my 1,000th goal with the national team. It would be the culmination of a beautiful story.”
The return to Lisbon also gives Thursday’s match an added layer of meaning. Portugal will play Wales at the Estádio José Alvalade, the home of Sporting CP, where Ronaldo began his professional career before joining Manchester United in 2003.
Ronaldo described the return to the stadium as a special moment, particularly because it is where his journey to becoming one of football’s biggest stars began.
“It’s a special feeling because it was there where my beautiful history started,” Ronaldo said. “I’m very proud about that, to play for the national team after so many years, playing where I practically was opened to the world … It was a beautiful moment.”
The Portugal captain also addressed the criticism that has followed him throughout his career. Despite his status and achievements, Ronaldo remains a frequent subject of debate, particularly as he continues playing at 41.
Asked about the media attention, he acknowledged that some television channels have been particularly critical of him, but said he has learned to focus on the things within his control.
“I do understand that some TV channels like to criticise me, they’ve tried to kill me – with a shotgun – but I can still move away from it. Anyway, I am used to it. I have been doing this for more than 20 years, I’m quite used to it. What I can control, I will. What I can’t, I won’t.”
Ronaldo has also drawn a clear line regarding how long he intends to remain with Portugal. Rather than setting a specific retirement date, he says he will leave when he believes he is no longer contributing to the team.
“Whenever they say they don’t want me in the national team, I will be the first one to go. When I think I am not adding anything to the team, or that I create an atmosphere, I will be the first to go. I will take my suitcase and leave. The Portuguese count on me. That’s why I’m still here … Just look at the numbers, I’m sure you can make some calculations, I’m still doing well. The day they don’t count on me, no problemo, I will leave. I will always be the No 1 fan of this federation.”
That approach leaves Ronaldo’s future closely tied to his own performances. For now, however, he remains an important part of Portugal’s plans as Jesus begins his tenure and the team looks toward a new generation of players.
The Wales match also creates an interesting connection with Craig Bellamy. The Wales manager faced Ronaldo as a player nearly two decades ago and will now attempt to stop him from adding to his international goal tally.
Portugal’s meeting with Wales is the first step in a new Nations League campaign and the beginning of Jesus’ tenure as national team coach. For Ronaldo, it is another opportunity to extend an international career that has already produced records, major trophies and more than two decades of appearances for his country.
At 41, Ronaldo is no longer talking about simply prolonging his career. He has set himself a specific target: 21 more goals to reach 1,000, while also helping Portugal compete for another Nations League title.
The next chapter begins at the stadium where his professional story started, with Ronaldo still wearing the Portugal shirt and another major milestone within reach.
