Ronaldo Stays On for Portugal, Chasing 1,000 Goals and Third Nations League
The short version
- Ronaldo considered international retirement after the 2026 World Cup before deciding to continue.
- He needs 21 more goals to reach 1,000 career goals.
- Portugal's Nations League campaign opens against Wales in Lisbon on Thursday.
- Ronaldo is set for his 234th cap and has won the Nations League twice with Portugal.
Cristiano Ronaldo says he weighed retirement after the World Cup but will continue with Portugal, targeting 1,000 career goals and another Nations League title.
Cristiano Ronaldo revealed he thought about ending his international career after the 2026 World Cup but chose to continue after talks with Portugal's federation president and coach Jorge Jesus. The 41-year-old Al-Nassr forward said he still believes he can contribute to the national team, both on and off the pitch.
Ronaldo was named in Jesus' 25-man squad for the upcoming Nations League campaign, which opens against Wales in Lisbon on Thursday. Set to earn his 234th cap, he first played for Portugal in 2003.
The forward said he is 21 goals short of 1,000 career goals and wants that milestone alongside team success. "Both aims are important," Ronaldo said. "One thousand goals, yes, and the national team." He has already won the Nations League twice with Portugal and is aiming for a third title in what he called a new era for the side.
Portugal's squad features young players including Fabio Silva, Renato Veiga, Nuno Mendes, Joao Neves and Francisco Conceicao. Ronaldo said mentoring that generation was a key reason for continuing, joking that he would keep playing for another decade.
Ronaldo also addressed long-running criticism from media, saying Portugal is where he has felt most appreciated. "For over 20 years I have been doing this, but my memories are with people who love me," he said. Jesus described him as a symbol of Portugal and the national team.
