Does Cristiano Ronaldo still play for Portugal? Caps, goals, records, retirement plans for Al Nassr star

2024-07-01
4 min read
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Cristiano Ronaldo's place among football's list of all-time greats is assured, thanks to his achievements across a phenomenal career.

At club level for Sporting, Real Madrid, Manchester United (in two spells), Juventus and now Al Nassr, Ronaldo has won virtually everything in the game and continued to plunder goals wherever he's gone.

He also inspired Portugal to success at Euro 2016, and won five Ballon d'Or trophies on an individual level — although that elusive World Cup is the one thing missing from his trophy cabinet.

What next for Ronaldo, then, given he is now 39? The Sporting News looks at his international career, future and any retirement plans he might have.

MORE: All Cristiano Ronaldo's goals for Saudi club Al Nassr

Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal future: Is he playing at Euro 2024?

Portugal are playing at Euro 2024, which is happening in Germany from June 14-July 14, and Cristiano Ronaldo is still very much involved for them.

The Al Nassr striker still wants to compete for Portugal and his recent goal record for Roberto Martinez's side means he more than commands a place in the squad. In fact, he was named captain when the squad was announced ahead of the trip to Germany

Portugal have a number of elite players, such as Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes and Rafael Leao, while Paris Saint-Germain forward Goncalo Ramos is Ronaldo's main competitior for the centre-forward role.

When will Cristiano Ronaldo retire?

Ronaldo currently has no plans to retire, insisting he is happy while turning out for both Al Nassr and Portugal and could play on into his 40s, although that could change depending on circumstances.

He recently said: "Things have happened in my life, both on a personal and professional level, that make me think more in the short term nowadays.

"People say I’m going to play on until I’m 40 or 41 years old. I don't set these targets. It's a question of just enjoying the moment, which is a good moment. I feel good. My body is responding to how I've treated it over the years.

"I'm happy both at my club and in the Selecao. I've scored plenty of goals, I feel in good shape physically. It's a question of enjoying the moment."

MORE: Messi vs Ronaldo: Does Ballon d'Or count settle the 'GOAT' question?

Cristiano Ronaldo Portugal record: Appearances, goals

Cristiano Ronaldo is the all-time leading men's goalscorer in international football with an outrageous record of 130 goals in 211 senior appearances for his country.

Ronaldo broke the long-standing goal record that was held by Iran's Ali Daei when he bagged a brace against Republic of Ireland in September 2021.

Ronaldo's 211 caps for Portugal also put him at the top of international football's all-time appearance list, ahead of Kuwait star Bader Al-Mutawa who has played 196 times for his country.

Competition

Games

Goals

World Cup

22

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8

World Cup qualification

47

36

European Championship

29

14

European Championships qualifier

44

41

UEFA Nations League

11

7

FIFA Confederations Cup

4

2

International friendlies

54

22

Total

211

130