Cristiano Ronaldo appears ready to close one of the most remarkable chapters in international football history. After more than two decades of breaking records for Portugal, the legendary forward has reportedly decided when he will make his final bow.
According to a new report, the 41-year-old could retire from international football against Wales in September. However, neither Ronaldo nor the Portuguese Football Federation has officially confirmed those plans.
Cristiano Ronaldo is reportedly preparing to bring the curtain down on his legendary Portugal career, with one final international appearance already lined up.
Citing a Portuguese agent, Goal.com’s Moataz Elgammal reported that the veteran forward is expected to make his farewell against Wales in a UEFA Nations League clash at Sporting Lisbon’s Estádio José Alvalade on September 24.
The venue would provide a fitting stage for Ronaldo’s goodbye, having spent part of his youth career at Sporting before making his senior debut for the club in 2002.
Ronaldo would leave the international stage with staggering numbers. Following Portugal’s 2026 World Cup campaign, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner has recorded 146 goals and 45 assists in 233 appearances.
He added three goals at the tournament, scoring twice against Uzbekistan before converting a penalty against Croatia in the Round of 32.
Ronaldo’s Portugal Records May Never Be Broken
If Ronaldo’s reported international retirement goes ahead, he will walk away with a collection of records that could prove difficult to touch.
UEFA lists the soccer icon as the most prolific scorer in men’s international history, with his 146 goals putting him comfortably ahead of Lionel Messi’s 125.
His longevity has been just as remarkable. Ronaldo holds the record for most EURO appearances with 30 and goals with 14, while his 41 World Cup qualifying strikes are another all-time high.
The star striker also made history at this summer’s World Cup. FIFA confirmed Ronaldo had become “the first player to score in six different editions” after his brace against Uzbekistan, extending a run that began back in 2006.
Cristiano Ronaldo And Lionel Messi Near The End Of An Era
3A Portugal farewell for Ronaldo would also mark another step toward the end of the golden era he has shared with Lionel Messi for more than two decades.
Like Ronaldo, Messi also competed at a record sixth World Cup this summer, but their campaigns ended quite differently. Portugal fell to Spain in the Round of 16, while Messi inspired Argentina to a third World Cup final, against the same opposition.
Ronaldo previously reflected on what their rivalry had meant to the sport. “We changed the history of football. We are respected all over the world, that’s the most important thing,” he told reporters in 2023, before adding, “The legacy continues, but the rivalry is gone.”
Cristiano Ronaldo Previously Vowed To Keep Portugal Exit Quiet
3In evaluating the veracity of reports surrounding Ronaldo’s future, it could be worth considering what he previously said about how his Portugal career would end.
Speaking in August 2024, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner insisted there would be no advance warning when he eventually decided to walk away.
“When I leave the national team, I won’t tell anyone in advance, and it will be a very spontaneous decision on my part, but also a very well thought-out one,” Ronaldo said, per BBC Sport.
A month later, the Portuguese icon offered another clue about what would ultimately drive that decision, saying he would recognize when he could no longer help the team.
“When the time comes, I’ll move on,” Ronaldo explained. “It won’t be a difficult decision to make. If I feel like I’m no longer contributing anything, I’ll be the first to leave.”
Nearly two years later, reports suggest that moment may finally have arrived.
Ronaldo’s Club Career Would Continue After Potential Portugal Exit
While Ronaldo may be preparing to leave international football, his playing career is not necessarily ending with it.
The Portuguese superstar remains under contract with Al Nassr until June 2027 after signing a two-year extension last summer, a deal that will take him beyond his 42nd birthday. At the time, Ronaldo made his intentions clear, declaring via an Instagram post: “A new chapter begins. Same passion, same dream. Let’s make history together.”
His own retirement timeline also points toward more club football. Asked in November what he meant by retiring “soon,” Ronaldo said he was still enjoying playing before adding: “What I mean by soon is probably one or two years.”
For now, his Al Nassr deal gives him another season to keep going.
