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Cristiano Ronaldo Refuses to Set Retirement Date as Portugal Begin New Era

Posted : 24 September 2026

Cristiano Ronaldo has declined to put a date on his international retirement, saying his focus remains on the present as Portugal prepare to face Wales in the Nations League. The 41-year-old remains captain and is set to start Thursday’s match in Lisbon.

Ronaldo had previously indicated that the 2026 World Cup would be his final appearance at the tournament and had acknowledged that he considered ending his Portugal career after the team’s last-16 defeat by Spain. However, discussions with Portugal’s president and new head coach Jorge Jesus helped convince him that he could still contribute to the national side.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner said he would leave the national team when he felt he was no longer able to contribute. He has also suggested that he would make his decision known before his final international appearance rather than setting a specific retirement date now.

Ronaldo is also pursuing another major milestone, with 979 goals across his club and international career. He needs 21 more to reach 1,000 and has said he would particularly like to achieve the landmark while representing Portugal.

Portugal begin their Nations League title defence against Wales in Lisbon before travelling to face Norway and Denmark, followed by another home fixture against Norway in October. Ronaldo is expected to lead the attack against Wales in Jorge Jesus’ first competitive match in charge.

Jesus, who previously coached Ronaldo at Saudi club Al-Nassr, has described the veteran forward as an important part of his plans. Ronaldo, meanwhile, called the appointment the start of a “new era” for Portugal and backed the former Al-Nassr coach to lead the team forward.

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