Cristiano Ronaldo has opened up about his future, admitting he seriously considered leaving the Portugal national team after the 2026 World Cup before deciding he still had more to give.

Ronaldo reveals why he changed his mind about Portugal retirement

Cristiano Ronaldo has made a major admission about his future, revealing that he seriously considered ending his Portugal career after the 2026 World Cup.

The 41-year-old saw his final World Cup end in disappointment when Portugal were eliminated by Spain in the round of 16.

That defeat led to major questions about whether Ronaldo had also played his final international match.

Now, Ronaldo has confirmed that retirement really did cross his mind.

Ronaldo considered leaving Portugal

Speaking before Portugal’s Nations League opener against Wales, Ronaldo was directly asked whether he thought about ending his international career after the World Cup.

His answer was clear:

“Yes, I did.”

Ronaldo explained that he regularly thinks about his future and the decisions he needs to make at this stage of his career.

But after considering his position carefully, he decided he was not ready to stop.

Important talks changed Ronaldo’s decision

Ronaldo revealed that he spoke with Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença and new national-team coach Jorge Jesus.

Those conversations helped him decide that he still had something to offer Portugal.

He said:

“I still believe that I’m able to help the national team.”

For Ronaldo, that contribution is not only about scoring goals.

He believes his experience and leadership can also help a younger generation of Portuguese players.

Ronaldo reveals when he will finally walk away

Ronaldo has not announced an exact retirement date.

Instead, he explained the condition that will tell him when it is time to stop.

He will leave when he feels he is no longer helping Portugal.

The forward made clear that he does not want to remain in the squad simply because of his name or past achievements.

If he can still score goals and help Portugal win matches, he wants to continue.

But if he feels he is no longer making a positive contribution, Ronaldo says he will know it is time to leave.

Jorge Jesus still trusts Ronaldo

Ronaldo’s decision comes as Portugal begin a new era under Jorge Jesus.

The new coach included the veteran forward in his first squad and has already confirmed that Ronaldo will start against Wales.

That appearance would become Ronaldo’s 234th match for Portugal.

Jesus has also made clear that Ronaldo’s legendary reputation will not automatically guarantee him a place in the team.

His performances will decide how important his role remains.

1,000 goals remain a huge target

Another major reason Ronaldo continues to play is his pursuit of one of football’s most incredible milestones.

The Portuguese superstar currently has:

979 official career goals.

That includes 833 goals at club level and a world-record 146 for Portugal.

Ronaldo is therefore only 21 goals away from reaching 1,000.

It is a target he openly believes he can achieve.

Ronaldo dreams of scoring No.1,000 for Portugal

Ronaldo has already imagined how he would like the historic goal to arrive.

He admitted that scoring his 1,000th goal while wearing the Portugal shirt would make the achievement even more special.

He described that possibility as:

“A beautiful story.”

But Ronaldo also made an important clarification.

Goal No.1,000 would not necessarily mean immediate retirement.

If he still feels capable of competing after reaching the milestone, he could continue playing.

Ronaldo says 1,000 goals is not an obsession

Despite constantly being asked about the number, Ronaldo insists he is not obsessed with it.

He believes he will eventually reach the milestone but says his main focus is enjoying football while he still can.

At 41, Ronaldo appears increasingly focused on appreciating the final stage of his career rather than setting an exact ending.

He still wants records, but he also wants to enjoy the journey.

Another Nations League is also a target

Ronaldo’s ambitions are not limited to individual records.

Portugal begin their Nations League title defence under Jorge Jesus with another trophy in their sights.

Ronaldo wants to help his country win the competition again before his international career ends.

Portugal will face Wales, Norway and Denmark during their opening Nations League matches.

Could this still be Ronaldo’s final season?

There remains uncertainty over his club future as well.

Ronaldo has previously suggested that the 2026/27 season could “probably” be his final year as a professional footballer.

His current Al Nassr contract runs until the summer of 2027.

However, his latest comments show that he is still refusing to set a firm retirement date.

How he feels physically and how much he can still contribute will ultimately decide the answer.

One more dream involving Cristiano Jr.

There is also another personal ambition that could influence Ronaldo’s decision.

His son, Cristiano Jr., is progressing through Al Nassr’s youth system.

Ronaldo has previously spoken about his dream of sharing the pitch with his son before retiring.

Cristiano Jr. is now 16 and continues to move closer to senior football.

There is currently no confirmation that he will be promoted to Al Nassr’s first team this season, but the possibility adds another interesting part to Ronaldo’s final chapter.

Ronaldo is not ready to stop yet

For now, Ronaldo’s future is becoming clearer.

He considered leaving Portugal.

He decided to continue.

He is only 21 goals away from 1,000.

And he still wants another trophy with his country.

The end of one of football’s greatest careers is getting closer.

But Ronaldo is not ready to choose the exact date yet.

As long as he believes he can still score, win and help Portugal, Cristiano Ronaldo plans to keep going.