Ronaldo eyes 1,000 career goals and Nations League title with Portugal
Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed he considered retiring after the World Cup but decided to continue for Portugal, aiming to reach 1,000 career goals and win another Nations League. The 41-year-old is set to earn his 234th cap against Wales on Thursday. He also wants to mentor the national team's emerging talents.
Ronaldo enters Thursday's Nations League opener against Wales needing 21 goals to reach 1,000 in his professional career. The 41-year-old Al-Nassr forward has already won the Nations League twice with Portugal and now targets a third title under new coach Jorge Jesus, who called him a "symbol" of the national team.
Portugal's current squad blends Ronaldo's experience with emerging players such as Fabio Silva, Renato Veiga, Nuno Mendes, Joao Neves, and Francisco Conceicao. Ronaldo acknowledged he briefly weighed retirement after the World Cup but chose to continue, citing his desire to mentor younger teammates and his belief that he remains a decisive contributor on the pitch.
Ronaldo's continued presence may shape how younger fans and aspiring players perceive longevity in elite sport, demonstrating that top-level performance can extend into one's forties. His pursuit of 1,000 goals could also sustain global interest in Portugal's Nations League campaign, potentially boosting viewership and engagement across international markets. However, his enduring role may limit opportunities for emerging forwards to gain starting experience, which could influence Portugal's squad development ahead of the 2026 World Cup.