Cristiano Ronaldo has admitted that he seriously considered retiring from international football following Portugal’s exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, before deciding to continue his career with the national team under new head coach Jorge Jesus.
Ronaldo stated: “I thought about international retirement after the World Cup, but I spoke with the president and the manager, and I am still here. I am a useful asset and I can help.”
The Portugal captain emphasized that he will not force his presence on the national team, explaining that the moment he feels he is no longer scoring or contributing on the pitch, he will step aside of his own accord.
He continued: “If the manager relies on me, I rely on him,” confirming his readiness to start, come off the bench, or even remain among the substitutes, as long as he can assist the group on and off the pitch.
The 41-year-old revealed his twin objectives for the upcoming period, saying: “I want to reach 1,000 goals and try to win the Nations League,” stressing that his inclusion is based on his current performances with Al Nassr rather than his past reputation.
Ronaldo currently stands at 979 career goals across club and international football. He has earned 233 caps and scored 146 goals for Portugal, maintaining the all-time male international records for both appearances and goals.
The veteran forward previously captained his country to victory at UEFA Euro 2016, as well as the inaugural and fourth editions of the UEFA Nations League in 2019 and 2025, making Portugal the first nation to win the tournament twice.
Regarding whether the 2026–2027 season will be the last of his professional career, Ronaldo refrained from offering a definitive answer, stating that retirement is “possible and likely,” though no final decision has been made, preferring instead to focus on the present and helping Portugal bounce back following their World Cup Round of 16 elimination against Spain.
