Cristiano Ronaldo Gives Surprising Update on His Retirement in Portugal

Cristiano Ronaldo has shocked his fans by confirming he is considering retiring from Portugal international football.

Ronaldo continues to score goals at an impressive rate for Al Nassr, but his future with the national team has become clear since Euro 2024.

Roberto Martinez’s side crashed out of the competition at the quarter-final stage and Ronaldo now looks set to call time on his incredible career in Portugal.

The former Real Madrid and Manchester United superstar tops the list of international appearances in men’s football, with 212 caps since his international debut in 2003.

Ronaldo’s 130 goals for Portugal also put him top of the list of men’s international goalscorers, with his Euro 2016 success being his only international title for his country.

MORE: All the latest football news | Cristiano Ronaldo news

He will be 41 before the 2026 FIFA World Cup and he has admitted he is close to the end.

“When I leave the national team, I won’t tell anyone in advance. It will be a very spontaneous decision on my part, but very considered,” he said, in an interview with Portuguese television channel NOW, via Relevo.

“What I want at the moment is to be able to help the national team in the next matches. We have the Nations League ahead of us and I would really like to play there.”

Portugal will play two home UEFA Nations League matches next month, against Croatia on September 5, followed by a clash against Scotland three days later.