
The Al-Nassr striker explains the reasons that pushed him to continue his career with Portugal
Cristiano Ronaldo considered retiring from Portugal after the 2026 World Cup, but decided to continue to help the national team and chase the historic milestone of 1,000 career goals.
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Cristiano Ronaldo has reflected on his future in the national team in view of the upcoming international commitments and the threshold of 1,000 goals.
Cristiano Ronaldo thought about retiring from international football after the 2026 World Cup, but he decided to continue not only because he believes he can still help Portugal, but above all to continue chasing his personal goal of 1,000 career goals. The Al-Nassr striker himself said it in an interview with the BBC, on the eve of his debut in the Nations League against Wales.
The 41-year-old had already indicated the 2026 World Cup as the last major international event, however leaving open questions about his future. "Yes, I thought about it - said Ronaldo about the possibility of leaving the Portugal national team after the tournament -. I always think about my decisions, about my future and also about the present. I'm someone who reflects, you have to think."
The confrontation with the president of the federation and with the new technical commissioner Jorge Jesus also convinced him to continue. “I still believe I can help the national team achieve their goals,” he explained. Not only with goals, but also by putting his experience at the service of a team that is changing its face. And then there is the milestone of 1,000 goals to be scored: Ronaldo is missing 21. "Both are important," he said, referring to personal ambition and the possibility of winning the Nations League again, which Portugal has already won twice, in 2019 and 2025.
The new Portuguese generation includes players such as Fabio Silva, Renato Veiga, Nuno Mendes, João Neves and Francisco Conceição. Ronaldo also considers the relationship with young people one of the reasons why he chose to move forward. “The most important thing for me is to be on the pitch, score goals and help the team win,” he said. And when asked how much longer he can play, he joked: "Even when I'm retired... in ten years!"
Then he added: "I'm happy with myself. It doesn't matter if I play tomorrow or rest in the next match. The most important thing is to feel good."

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