Cristiano Ronaldo’s international career is at its most uncertain point. After Portugal were knocked out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup by Spain in the Round of 16, the 41-year-old suggested it could have been his last on the international stage. It was a moment that felt like a chapter was closing, but as it turns out, the book may not quite be finished yet.
Following Roberto Martinez’s exit as Portugal manager, Jorge Jesus has been appointed as his replacement. Jesus and Ronaldo worked together at Al-Nassr recently, with the former suggesting the door remains open for Ronaldo to keep starring for his country as long as he’s fit. Therefore, Ronaldo could continue with Portugal for now, so it will be interesting to see how any sports betting operator responds, as it was expected there’d be a new man leading the line moving forward.
What has Jesus said about Ronaldo’s role?
Jesus didn’t shy away from praising Ronaldo in his opening remarks as Portugal boss, describing him as a symbol of Portuguese football whose name will live on regardless of what happens next. Importantly, Jesus confirmed the two are yet to speak about the future, meaning a final decision remains up in the air. Given Jesus watched Ronaldo up close last season during Al-Nassr’s title-winning campaign, his read on the striker carries real weight. Jesus also noted that Ronaldo is keen to continue playing club football.
Ronaldo’s numbers still stack up
Say what you want about Ronaldo, but his numbers still stack up. He arrived at the World Cup holding the men’s record for the most international caps and goals in history, and he became the first man to score at six different World Cups too. He’s still delivering the goods for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League and is closing in on 1,000 career goals, a target he’s been out to achieve for a long time. Ronaldo may not be as mobile as he once was, and he may be 41 years old, but the goals keep on coming, at club and international level.
Why it matters beyond the pitch
Ronaldo’s involvement with Portugal goes far beyond the pitch. It shapes broadcast interest, ticket demand and a whole lot more. If he were to retire from international football, it would be huge and force a genuine shift in how tournaments and the Portugal national squad are marketed. It will happen, and you’d imagine sooner rather than later, which means planning for this inevitable outcome should be well underway.
Could Ronaldo retiring help Portugal?
There’s no doubt Ronaldo has been the key player for Portugal for decades. But as time has gone on, there have been questions about whether his continued involvement as a starter is holding Portugal back. In terms of the speed of the attack, you can certainly see how this could be the case, but Ronaldo’s involvement and presence remain huge. The issue is that while there are other options to start who could represent a better fit, Ronaldo is unlikely to settle for a bit-part role.
Final thoughts
Ultimately, what happens next in Cristiano Ronaldo’s international career will solely be decided by the man himself. Jorge Jesus’ arrival as manager could be significant, as Ronaldo knows and respects him, and the two will talk directly before a final decision is made. And whatever happens, Ronaldo has been a great servant to his country, on and off the pitch.
