Cristiano Ronaldo is set to earn his 234th international cap for Portugal as he continues his career beyond initial retirement considerations. The 41-year-old forward, who made his senior debut in 2003, confirmed that he weighed his future following the 2026 World Cup but remains motivated to contribute to the national team.
Currently part of Jorge Jesus’ 25-man squad, the Al-Nassr player is preparing for the start of the Nations League campaign. Ronaldo, having previously stated that the 2026 World Cup would be his final appearance at the tournament, noted that he believes he can provide value both through his goal-scoring ability and his presence outside of match play.
Upcoming Nations League Match Details
- Fixture: Portugal vs. Wales
- Date: Thursday, 24 September
- Kick-off Time: 19:45 BST
- Venue: Estádio José Alvalade, Lisbon
Ronaldo enters this new cycle of international football with two specific objectives: reaching a personal milestone of 1,000 career goals—requiring 21 more—and securing a third Nations League title. Describing his process, the former Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus star emphasized that he is a thoughtful player who regularly reviews his decisions regarding his career and the present state of the team.
He noted that his discussions with the team president and coach reinforced his belief in his ability to help Portugal achieve their objectives during this new era. According to the veteran forward, both the personal goal record and team success are of significant importance as he moves forward with the national side. The report also notes that although his long-term future remained uncertain, the 41-year-old confirmed in the summer that the 2026 World Cup would be his last. The report also notes that i still believe that I’m able to help the national team to reach what they want.
Important Details
- The report also notes that both aims are important,” he said.
