Full Breakdown
Ronaldo Pushes On: Aiming for 1,000 Goals and Nations League Glory
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event – Ronaldo confirms continuation with Portugal ahead of Nations League clash
On September 23 2026, Cristiano Ronaldo told a packed press room that he had thought about ending his international career after the World Cup but decided to keep playing for Portugal. He will start the nation’s first UEFA Nations League match of the campaign against Wales on September 24 2026 at the Estádio José Alvalade in Lisbon. Ronaldo said his dual objectives are to reach the 1,000-goal milestone and to help Portugal retain the Nations League title under new head coach Jorge Jesus.
Background & Context
Portugal’s 2026 World Cup ended in a round-of-16 defeat to eventual champions Spain, prompting speculation about Ronaldo’s future. In July, the Portuguese Football Federation appointed Jorge Jesus—who previously coached Ronaldo at Al-Nassr—to replace Roberto Martínez. Jesus inherits a side that won the most recent Nations League and aims to defend the crown.
Timeline
- September 23 2026 – Ronaldo speaks at the Portugal Football Summit, outlining his intentions.
- September 24 2026 – Portugal vs Wales, UEFA Nations League group opener at Estádio José Alvalade.
- 2026 World Cup – Portugal eliminated in the round of 16 by Spain.
- 2025 – Portugal secured the previous Nations League title.
Data & Statistics
- Career total: 979 goals (833 club, 146 for Portugal) – 21 short of 1,000.
- International caps: 233 (most-capped men’s player) – will become 234 in the Wales match.
- Age: 41, turning 42 in February 2027.
- Portugal’s Nations League record: defending champions, with two titles.
Official Statements & Responses
Ronaldo said conversations with the Portuguese FA president and coach convinced him to stay, adding that he will leave only when he feels he can no longer contribute on the pitch.
Jorge Jesus defended Ronaldo’s selection, calling him “a symbol of Portugal” and stressing that the veteran will start if he remains fit, but that no player receives automatic playing time.
Criticism & Opposition
Ronaldo acknowledged that a segment of Portuguese media have called for his removal, describing their stance as an attempt to “kill” him. He framed the criticism as part of a long-standing pattern of scrutiny that he has learned to ignore.
On-the-Ground Reports
Wales manager Craig Bellamy recounted the extraordinary security measures taken for Ronaldo’s arrival in Lisbon, describing a “lockdown” of the airport and rows of police cars, underscoring the player’s celebrity status and the heightened public interest surrounding the match.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Yes, I did. Of course, I’m always thinking on my decisions, my future, the present also.” — Cristiano Ronaldo
- “One goal is to achieve both – reaching 1,000 goals and the national team trying to win this Nations League,” — Cristiano Ronaldo
- “Cristiano is a symbol of Portugal and the national team,” — Jorge Jesus
- “My goal is twofold: scoring the 1,000th goal and win the Nations League with Portugal,” — Cristiano Ronaldo