Archive · 24 Sep 2026
Ronaldo Reverses Retirement Plans, Continues Portugal Career
Cristiano Ronaldo thought about retiring from Portugal’s football team after the World Cup.
He decided to keep playing for now.
Ronaldo says he can still help Portugal by scoring goals and supporting younger players.
He also knows that some people in Portugal criticize him and want him to leave.
Ronaldo says he will go if the team no longer wants him or if he stops helping.
Coach Jorge Jesus said Ronaldo will start the next match against Wales.
Ronaldo has scored 979 official goals in his career.
He hopes his 1,000th goal will be for Portugal.
Cristiano Ronaldo said he considered ending his Portugal career after the team’s World Cup loss to Spain.
The 41-year-old said he will continue while he believes he can help Portugal score goals and win games.
Ronaldo acknowledged that some Portuguese critics and television channels want him removed from the national team.
Coach Jorge Jesus confirmed Ronaldo will start Portugal’s Nations League match against Wales on Thursday.
Ronaldo has scored 979 official career goals and hopes to reach 1,000 with Portugal.
- Who
- Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal coach Jorge Jesus, the Portugal national team, and critics in Portugal.
- What
- Ronaldo decided to continue playing international football for Portugal after considering retirement.
- When
- He discussed the decision on Wednesday, ahead of Thursday’s Nations League match against Wales.
- Where
- The comments were made in Lisbon; the venue of the Wales match was not specified.
- Why
- Ronaldo said he still believes he can help Portugal and that Portuguese citizens and the team continue to count on him.
Ronaldo and Supporters
Critics and Performance Concerns
Whether Ronaldo should continue
Ronaldo and Supporters
Ronaldo says he can still score, help Portugal win, support younger players, and contribute outside the pitch. Jesus also considers him an important national symbol.
Critics and Performance Concerns
Ronaldo acknowledged that some Portuguese critics and television channels want him out of the national team, while his performances at the World Cup were criticized.
When Ronaldo should leave
Ronaldo and Supporters
Ronaldo says he should remain as long as Portugal and its citizens count on him and he believes he is adding value.
Critics and Performance Concerns
Ronaldo accepts that he should leave if the team no longer wants him, if he is no longer useful, or if he harms the team atmosphere.
- Ronaldo’s age
- 41
- Portugal appearances
- The Wales match will be Ronaldo’s 234th game for Portugal.
- Career decision
- Ronaldo considered retiring after Portugal’s World Cup round-of-16 defeat by Spain but chose to continue.
- Next match
- Ronaldo is scheduled to start against Wales in the Nations League on Thursday.
- Head coach
- Jorge Jesus called Ronaldo a symbol of Portugal and the national team.
- Career goals
- Ronaldo has scored 979 official goals in 1,337 appearances.
- Departure condition
- He said he will leave if Portugal no longer wants him or if he believes he is no longer contributing.
