ไทย
English
中國人
Cristiano Ronaldo has made clear that discussions about his international future with Portugal are premature, following reports suggesting he could step away from the national team after this summer's World Cup.
Just prior to playing a key role in Portugal's 2–1 comeback win over Croatia on Thursday, uncertainty surrounding Ronaldo's international future was sparked by his own sister, who suggested this World Cup would be his "last dance" representing the nation.
Although Ronaldo declined to confirm or deny the speculation, he did acknowledge that he would reflect on his international future once this summer's World Cup concludes.
"The future isn't what matters right now," he told Portuguese broadcaster Sport TV. "I'll talk about it ... I'll have time, after we win or lose, to speak with my family and then make decisions the way I always have.
"I no longer make snap decisions; I approach everything with a calm head these days. For now, it's about savoring the moment."
Will Cristiano Ronaldo Retire After 2026 World Cup?
Having guided Al Nassr to the Saudi Pro League championship earlier this summer, there are very few trophies still missing from Ronaldo's collection.
On the international stage, the all-time top scorer in history has steered Portugal to European triumph at Euro 2016 and at both the 2019 and 2025 UEFA Nations League, yet the World Cup remains the one major prize that has so far escaped his grasp.
At 41 years of age, Ronaldo is clearly running short on opportunities to lift the World Cup. He would be 45 by the time the next edition arrives and may no longer be active at any level—though the prospect of Portugal co-hosting the 2030 World Cup offers a compelling reason to press on.
Portugal is not widely considered among the frontrunners to claim this World Cup, sitting just below the tier occupied by the likes of France, Argentina, and Spain—the last of whom stands as Roberto Martínez's side's next opponent in the round of 16. Ronaldo will need to assess whether that picture is likely to change by 2030 and, perhaps more crucially, whether he remains capable of contributing meaningfully to the team.
The debate surrounding Ronaldo's influence on the squad continues to intensify, with many arguing Portugal would function better without this iteration of the legendary striker. His teammates have dismissed such claims, but that has done little to silence the skeptics.
While lifting the World Cup would serve as a perfect conclusion to Ronaldo's international career—and possibly even his club career—it is far from the only ambition remaining on his list.
Ronaldo is chasing the distinction of becoming the first player to net 1,000 goals across both club and international football. His strike against Croatia—which made him the oldest goalscorer in World Cup knockout-stage history—was the 976th of his remarkable career, meaning he will require at least one more full club season to reach that four-figure milestone.
Enable functional cookies to see this feature.
"After 1,000 goals [he will retire]? Yes, that's something," Ronaldo's sister remarked.
Having just netted 30 goals in 37 appearances for Al Nassr throughout the 2025–26 season, Ronaldo appears on course to reach the 1,000-goal landmark by the summer of 2027, at which point his current Saudi Arabian contract will also come to an end. It is not difficult to imagine everything falling into place.