More than two decades after making his senior international debut for Portugal, global football icon Cristiano Ronaldo is opening up about the crossroads he faced after the 2022 FIFA World Cup, confirming he seriously weighed hanging up his international boots before choosing to extend his decorated career to chase both team glory and a once-in-a-generation personal milestone.
The 41-year-old Al-Nassr striker, who will earn his record-breaking 234th Portugal cap in Thursday’s Nations League Group A4 opener against Wales at Lisbon’s Estádio José Alvalade, first confirmed earlier this summer that the 2026 World Cup will mark the end of his legendary playing career, but had left questions open about his short-term international status. Those questions were put to rest this week when he was named in head coach Jorge Jesus’ 25-man squad for the start of Portugal’s 2024–25 Nations League campaign.
In a pre-match press conference, Ronaldo addressed widespread speculation about his future, confirming that retirement was indeed on his mind after the last World Cup. “Yes, I did,” he told reporters when asked if he had considered stepping away from international duty. “Of course, I’m always thinking on my decisions, my future, the present also. I’m a thinker, you have to think.”
After holding discussions with the Portuguese Football Federation president and national team coaching staff, Ronaldo said he ultimately decided to continue because he remains convinced he can contribute to Portugal’s pursuit of major honors. “I still believe that I’m able to help the national team to reach what they want,” he explained. “I think I can give to the national team my support, not only through the goals, but also outside of football.”
Away from his international commitments, Ronaldo has his sights set on a historic personal achievement: becoming the first player in top-level men’s football to reach 1,000 career senior goals. Currently 21 goals short of the mark, he said the milestone is a key motivating factor to keep playing, alongside his goal of helping Portugal lift a third Nations League title.
“Both aims are important,” he said. “One thousand goals, yes, and the national team. Winning the Nations League, the competition starts tomorrow, it’s a new age.”
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner also highlighted mentoring the next generation of Portuguese talent as another core reason for continuing his international tenure. The current squad features a host of exciting young prospects including Fabio Silva, Renato Veiga, Nuno Mendes, Joao Neves and Francisco Conceicao, and Ronaldo joked he could even extend his career another 10 years while noting he sees himself as a role model for emerging players.
“This is a new young generation. But for me the basic point is to be on the pitch to score the goals and to help the team win games,” he said. “For me, the most important thing, I know what I am. I know what I do to be here, to have the success that I have. I know why young kids love Cristiano, because they see me as an example, and I will continue to do that. Even when I am retired… in 10 years! I’m happy with myself. It doesn’t matter if I play tomorrow, if I rest the next game. For me, the most important thing is that I feel good.”
Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus echoed the sentiment, describing Ronaldo as an enduring “symbol of Portugal and the national team” ahead of the clash with Wales.
Ronaldo also addressed the persistent criticism he has faced throughout his 20-plus-year career at top clubs across England, Spain and Italy, noting that the Portugal national team setup has consistently been the place where he has felt most supported by fans. “This is possibly where I have felt most cared,” he said. “From the fans, I also feel the Portuguese like me. 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. For over 20 years I have been doing this, but my memories are with people who love me.”
The match between Portugal and Wales kicks off at 19:45 BST on 24 September, with full live coverage available across BBC platforms including BBC iPlayer, BBC One Wales, BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Sport’s website and app, and multiple radio outlets.