Cristiano Ronaldo confirms decision to continue international career with Portugal
3 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 23, 2026, 5:36 PM
Last updated Sep 23, 2026
Cristiano Ronaldo announced he will extend his international career with Portugal, gearing up for his 234th cap against Wales on September 28 at the José Alvalade Stadium in Lisbon. After considering retirement following the World Cup, Ronaldo expressed his desire to contribute to the national team, stating he will continue until he feels he can no longer perform. Despite conversations about potential retirement, he emphasized his commitment to scoring goals and supporting the younger generation. Ronaldo has faced criticism from some quarters but believes he still has much to offer to his team.
- •Ronaldo will earn his 234th cap against Wales.
- •He considered retiring after the World Cup but chose to continue.
- •Ronaldo aims to support the younger generation on the national team.
- •He has experienced criticism but maintains strong fan support.
- •The match is set for September 28 at the José Alvalade Stadium.
- 6:25 PMESPN Soccer — Ronaldo explains why he's extending Portugal career
- 5:24 PMYahoo Sports — What Cristiano Ronaldo said about his Portugal future at age 41
- 4:48 PMYahoo Sports — Ronaldo explains decision to continue international career at 41
"Cristiano Ronaldo considered retiring from international football after the World Cup before deciding to extend his Portugal career. Ronaldo – who turns 42 in February – will win his 234th cap against Wales in Lisbon on Thursday, with Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus confirming that the former Manchester United and Real Madrid will start the Nations League fixture.
"Cristiano Ronaldo has said he considered retiring from international football after the World Cup before deciding to extend his Portugal career.
"41-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo is back with Portugal. How much longer will he go?
Sources
External links- ESPN SoccerSep 23, 2026, 6:25 PMRonaldo explains why he's extending Portugal career
Cristiano Ronaldo has said he considered retiring from international football after the World Cup before deciding to extend his Portugal career.
- Yahoo SportsSep 23, 2026, 5:24 PMWhat Cristiano Ronaldo said about his Portugal future at age 41
41-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo is back with Portugal. How much longer will he go?
- Yahoo SportsSep 23, 2026, 4:48 PMRonaldo explains decision to continue international career at 41
Cristiano Ronaldo considered retiring from international football after the World Cup before deciding to extend his Portugal career. Ronaldo – who turns 42 in February – will win his 234th cap against Wales in Lisbon on Thursday, with Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus confirming that the former Manchester United and Real Madrid will start the Nations League fixture.
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