Ronaldo reveals two goals before retirement: 1,000 career strikes and another Nations League title

Cristiano Ronaldo admitted he seriously considered ending his Portugal career following the country’s round-of-16 World Cup exit to Spain in July, but the 41-year-old confirmed he remains committed to the national team and has set two clear targets before he walks away.

Speaking at a pre-match press conference ahead of Thursday’s Nations League fixture against Wales, Ronaldo said he held talks with the Portuguese football federation president and new head coach Jorge Jesus before deciding to continue. “I still believe that I’m able to help the national team to reach what they want, and will finish when I feel like I’m not doing anything here,” he said.

The two ambitions Ronaldo identified are reaching 1,000 career goals — a milestone he is now closing in on — and winning the Nations League, a trophy he already lifted with Portugal in 2025. “One thousand goals, yes, and the national team. Winning the Nations League, the competition starts tomorrow,” he said. “The basic point is to be able on the pitch to score the goals and to help the team win games.”

Jesus, who previously managed Ronaldo at Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr before taking charge of the national side, confirmed the forward as a starter for what will be his 234th cap for Portugal.

Ronaldo also addressed a vocal section of domestic media calling for his international retirement. “I feel the Portuguese fans like me, but I do understand that some TV channels want to criticize me,” he said. “They are dying for me not to come to the national team anymore, but I can still move away from it. Anyway, I am used to it. For over 20 years I have been doing this.”

The forward struck a lighter note when discussing the timeline of his eventual exit from the game. “Even when I am retired… in 10 years,” he said, smiling, adding that he hopes to remain an example to younger generations long after his playing days are over.