Cristiano Ronaldo has made it clear that he will continue representing Portugal only as long as the national team believes he can contribute, insisting he would have no problem walking away immediately if that changes.
The 41-year-old addressed his international future Wednesday ahead of Portugal’s UEFA Nations League opener against Wales. Ronaldo explained that if head coach Jorge Jesus or Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença no longer wants to rely on him, he would be the first to discuss leaving the national team.
Ronaldo also emphasized that the relationship currently works both ways. Portugal continues to rely on him, he continues to trust the national team, and he believes the Portuguese people still want him representing the country. That mutual confidence remains one of the primary reasons he has continued his international career.
His future with Portugal became a major question following the 2026 World Cup. Ronaldo confirmed that he seriously considered ending his international career after Portugal’s elimination before ultimately deciding to continue. Conversations with Proença and Jesus played an important role in that decision.
Ronaldo said he still believes he can help Portugal accomplish its objectives. His contribution, in his view, goes beyond scoring goals. As captain and the most experienced member of the squad, he also believes he can help Portugal’s younger generation away from the field.
However, Ronaldo does not intend to remain simply because of his reputation or everything he has accomplished with Portugal.
He explained that if he reaches the point where he is no longer contributing on the field, stops scoring, negatively affects the environment or is no longer wanted, he will pack his bags and leave. He also said he would remain Portugal’s biggest supporter after his international career ends.
For the moment, Portugal continues to count on him.
Jesus included Ronaldo in his first Portugal squad after replacing Roberto Martínez and confirmed that the veteran forward will start against Wales.
Ronaldo enters the Nations League campaign with 233 international appearances and 146 goals for Portugal. He remains the men’s international record holder in both categories and is preparing to add another appearance against Wales.
His message about what comes next was straightforward. As long as Portugal believes he can still make a difference, Ronaldo intends to keep wearing the national team’s shirt.
