Cristiano Ronaldo seriously contemplated stepping away from international football following Portugal’s heartbreaking exit at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, where they suffered a shock quarterfinal defeat to Morocco. The legendary forward, who currently captains Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, admitted that the emotional toll of the tournament briefly clouded his future representing the national team. However, after deep reflection alongside his family and coaching staff, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner chose to reverse that decision, driven by an unyielding desire to lift more silverware and cement an even greater legacy in European football.
This pivotal choice opened the door for Ronaldo to spearhead Portugal’s successful UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying campaign under new manager Roberto Martínez, netting ten goals as the Seleção secured a flawless record in Group J. Now holding the all-time men's international scoring record with over 130 goals in more than 200 appearances for his country, the former Real Madrid and Manchester United superstar has set his sights on an unprecedented milestone. He is fiercely pursuing the monumental target of reaching 1,000 official career goals before hanging up his boots, having already surpassed the 900-goal mark for club and country in late 2024.
Looking ahead, Ronaldo remains a central figure in Portugal's ongoing UEFA Nations League matches and is widely expected to lead the line at the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. While critics often question whether the veteran striker can maintain his elite sharpness at the highest level as he approaches his forties, his relentless work ethic and phenomenal knack for finding the back of the net continue to silence doubters. Should he feature in North America, he will make history by appearing in a record-extending sixth World Cup tournament, adding yet another remarkable chapter to his storied career.
