Cristiano Ronaldo said he will keep playing for Portugal after mulling retirement post‑World Cup. The decision follows a review of his fitness and a desire to help Portugal in the Nations League.
Cristiano Ronaldo, captain of the Portugal national team, announced he will extend his international career after briefly considering retirement following the 2026 World Cup. The statement was given in an exclusive ESPN Soccer interview, where the 41‑year‑old explained that a personal fitness assessment and a desire to lead the team were the main factors.
Ronaldo said, "I was thinking about hanging up my boots after the tournament, but seeing the squad’s situation and its need for experience, I decided to stay until the end of the Nations League." He added that his goal is to help Portugal reach the final and capture another major trophy.
Context of the decision
Portugal currently sits second in its Nations League group, competing with Spain and Italy. Ronaldo believes his presence adds tactical and psychological value, especially in decisive matches. He also noted that his club commitments with Al‑Nassr in Saudi Arabia do not clash with national duties, as training schedules have been coordinated.
Statistically, Ronaldo boasts over 190 caps and 115 goals for Portugal, making him the nation’s all‑time leading scorer. He confirmed he will continue training with the national side through the end of the European season, focusing on maintaining peak fitness.
Future outlook
- Ronaldo will feature in the remaining Nations League fixtures in 2026.
- Portugal aims to improve its FIFA ranking and secure a spot in upcoming major tournaments.
- The player will reassess his international future after the Nations League cycle ends.
Published: