Cristiano Ronaldo’s Retirement Plans: Clear Stance Ahead of 2026 World Cup
As football fans ponder whether they’ve seen the last of Cristiano Ronaldo in a Portugal shirt, recent reports indicate that the iconic forward is far from ready to retire from international football. Despite Portugal’s disappointing exit from Euro 2024 in the quarter-finals, Ronaldo is determined to continue his journey and has set his sights on the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Ronaldo’s performance during Euro 2024 raised eyebrows, as he struggled to find his best form throughout the tournament. He failed to score a single goal, which contributed to Portugal’s elimination. The team’s advancement to the quarter-finals relied heavily on goalkeeper Diogo Costa’s heroics in a penalty shootout against Slovenia, particularly after Ronaldo missed a crucial penalty that put the team in jeopardy.
The quarter-final clash against France also proved challenging, resulting in another penalty shootout, where Portugal fell short despite their efforts.
According to a report from Relevo, Ronaldo is not considering retirement just yet. Instead, he is committed to playing in the next World Cup and aims to become the first player in history to appear and score in six editions of the tournament. This ambition underscores his enduring passion for the game and his desire to contribute to Portugal’s success on the global stage.
Having had a prolific season with Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr, where he scored 50 goals across competitions, Ronaldo’s transition to the international arena was less fruitful, leaving him eager to prove himself once more.
After Portugal’s quarter-final match against Slovenia, Ronaldo reflected on the emotional rollercoaster of the tournament. He acknowledged his missed opportunities and the impact of key saves made by opposing goalkeepers. Despite the heartache, he praised his teammates for their extraordinary effort throughout the tournament, emphasizing that they deserved to progress based on their chances created.
“I had the chance to put the national team ahead and I didn’t manage it,” Ronaldo admitted. “The most important thing is to enjoy qualifying, and the team did an extraordinary job.”
While Ronaldo’s statements suggest that Euro 2024 might be his last European Championship, he has yet to make a definitive announcement about his international future. His commitment to the 2026 World Cup, however, indicates that he still has plenty of ambitions left to fulfill.
As the world anticipates the next chapter in Ronaldo’s illustrious career, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how his journey with the Portugal national team unfolds in the coming years.
