Cristiano Ronaldo has changed his mind about quitting international football, choosing to extend his glittering career after the World Cup rather than step aside.
The 41-year-old confirmed in the summer that the 2026 World Cup would be his last, but now he has been included in Jorge Jesus’ 25-man squad for Portugal’s Nations League campaign. The opener comes against Wales in Lisbon on Thursday night, and Ronaldo is targeting a personal milestone along with a national trophy.
What Changed His Mind
Ronaldo considered retiring after the World Cup. He told reporters he had thought long and hard about it.
“Yes, I did,” he said when asked if he thought about 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.”
He spoke at a news conference in Lisbon, where he explained that conversations with Portugal’s president and coach convinced him to keep going.
“I had a conversation with our president, with our coach,” he said. “I still believe that I’m able to help the national team to reach what they want.”
The 1,000 Goals Target
Ronaldo is chasing 1,000 career goals. He needs 21 more to get there.
“I think I can give to the national team my support, not only through the goals, but also outside of football,” he said.
Both aims are important to him. He wants the Nations League title and he wants the goals.
“One thousand goals, yes, and the national team,” he said. “Winning the Nations League, the competition starts tomorrow [Thursday], it’s a new age.”
The Young Generation
Helping the next wave of Portuguese talent was also a factor in his decision.
“This is a new young generation,” he said. “But for me the basic point is to be on the pitch to score the goals and to help the team win games.”
He knows why young kids love him.
“I know what I am. I know what I do to be here, to have the success that I have,” he said. “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!”
What the Coach Says
Jorge Jesus described Ronaldo as a “symbol of Portugal and the national team” at the same news conference.
Dodging the Shotgun
Ronaldo addressed the criticism he has faced throughout his career, particularly during his time with Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus.
“This [Portugal] is possibly where I have felt most cared,” he said. “From the fans, I also feel the Portuguese like me.”
He was dismissive of the media who have turned on him over the years.
“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,” he said. “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 Ahead
Portugal face Wales in the Nations League Group A4 opener on Thursday, 19:45 BST at the venue in Lisbon.
The game is live on BBC iPlayer, BBC One Wales, BBC Sounds, BBC Radio Wales, Radio Cymru and 5 Live, with coverage on the BBC Sport website and app plus live text commentary.
The Squad
Young talents including Fabio Silva, Renato Veiga, Nuno Mendes, Joao Neves and Francisco Conceicao all feature in Portugal’s squad for this international window.
Ronaldo joked that he might play for another decade, even as he targets 1,000 career goals.
Our View
Ronaldo is a two-time Nations League winner with Portugal, and he wants a third. He also wants to reach 1,000 career goals.
The combination of ambition and self-awareness is rare. He is doing neither stopping nor slowing down.
Key facts
– Age: 41
– Goals needed for 1,000: 21
– Last World Cup: 2026
– Next Nations League game: Portugal vs Wales, Thursday, 19:45 BST
– Venue: Lisbon
– Squad: 25 players, including Fabio Silva, Renato Veiga, Nuno Mendes, Joao Neves and Francisco Conceicao
What to watch for
1. Whether Ronaldo scores in the opener against Wales
2. How Portugal’s young squad performs without relying on him
3. Whether Ronaldo can hold off fatigue across a full Nations League campaign
Ronaldo has made his choice. Now the football world waits to see if he can deliver on it.
Source material: “Ronaldo spurred on by 1,000 goals and Portugal glory,” the BBC.
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