Cristiano Ronaldo has acknowledged that the 2026-27 season could be the final year of his professional football career, but the Portugal captain says he is focused on enjoying the present and pursuing two major objectives: winning another Nations League title and reaching 1,000 career goals.
Speaking ahead of Portugal’s UEFA Nations League opener against Wales, the 41-year-old admitted that he does not know exactly when he will retire.
“Will it be my last year? Maybe. We’ll see, it also depends on how my body feels. I really don’t know. I’m saying that from the heart.”
Ronaldo had already confirmed that the 2026 FIFA World Cup would be his final appearance at the tournament. After Portugal’s last-16 elimination by Spain in July, however, he left his wider international future open, saying he would take time to reflect rather than make an immediate decision.
He has now confirmed that he considered leaving the Portugal national team after the World Cup, but conversations with Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença and the coach persuaded him to continue.
“Yes, I did. Of course, I’m always thinking about my decisions, my future, the present also. I’m a thinker; you have to think. This is why you see me here now, it means I will continue.”
Ronaldo said he still believes he can make a meaningful contribution to Portugal, both through his goals and his experience.
“I still believe that I’m able to help the national team to reach what they want.”
He also pointed to his numbers as evidence that he remains capable of contributing at the highest level.
“If I continue to give, just look at the numbers, if you know how to count, you can see that I’m doing well and that I make a difference.”
‘I Still Feel Like It’s My First Year’
Despite being 41, Ronaldo says representing Portugal continues to carry the same emotional significance it did when he first established himself internationally.
“It still feels like my first year here at Portugal, yes. And I am still proving that I am capable of being here.”
He added that his performances for both club and country provide the evidence.
“The proof is there every day. I can still score goals, I have proven it with the National Team and with my club.”
Ronaldo currently has 233 appearances for Portugal, according to the latest reports, and remains the country’s all-time leading scorer.
His continued presence comes as Portugal enter a new era under Jorge Jesus following Roberto Martínez’s departure after the World Cup. Ronaldo has praised Martínez’s work but is now focused on what lies ahead under the new coach.
For Ronaldo, the immediate objective is clear: compete for another Nations League title while continuing his pursuit of one of football’s most significant statistical milestones.
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