Ronaldo Not Ready to Retire from the Portuguese National Team
Despite being 39 years old, Cristiano Ronaldo remains eager to continue contributing to the Portuguese national team and aims to participate in the upcoming UEFA Nations League matches in September.
“I won’t announce to anyone when I retire from the national team. It will be a spontaneous, unplanned decision, but one that I will carefully consider,” Ronaldo said in an interview with the Portuguese TV channel NOW. The forward reaffirmed his desire to continue playing for the team and expressed his intent to be part of the next call-up. In the coming days, coach Roberto Martinez will reveal the roster for Portugal’s matches against Croatia on September 5 and Scotland on September 8 in the UEFA Nations League.
Ronaldo’s future with the national team has been questioned following his underwhelming performance at Euro 2024. He captained the team and started in five matches, playing four of them in full, with 23 shots—more than any other player in the tournament—but failed to score. This marked the first time the record-holder for six Euro appearances and five World Cups went scoreless in a major international tournament.
Ronaldo did not specify when he plans to retire from international football and dismissed the possibility of becoming a coach after retiring as a player. “At the moment, I’m not considering coaching any club. I’ve never even thought about it. I don’t see my future heading in that direction,” said the Al Nassr forward.
Instead, Ronaldo hinted at pursuing projects outside of football, though he did not provide specific details. The Portuguese star is the highest-paid footballer in history, earning $260 million, including $200 million in salary and bonuses at his club and $60 million from off-field income. Ronaldo has been playing for Al Nassr since January 2023, after terminating his contract with Manchester United in November 2022.
In addition to endorsement deals, Ronaldo has expanded his business ventures. He owns the CR7 brand, which sells perfumes, shoes, underwear, and other accessories for men. Since 2015, the Juventus superstar has ventured into real estate, establishing a chain of hotels in Portugal.
On August 21, Ronaldo launched his YouTube channel, UR · Cristiano, setting several records. He promised to share more videos about his personal and family life, his approach to raising his children, and his business activities. The Portuguese icon also hinted at the possibility of featuring guest appearances in his videos.
