Cristiano Ronaldo cements his status as one of football’s all-time greats with a phenomenal list of achievements across his career. From his success at club level playing for Sporting, Real Madrid, Manchester United, Juventus, and Al Nassr, to inspiring Portugal to victory at Euro 2016 and winning five Ballon d’Or trophies, Ronaldo has left an indelible mark on the sport.
As the Portuguese player approaches his 39th birthday in early 2024, questions loom about his next steps. The Sporting News covers Ronaldo’s international career, future, and potential retirement plans. Portugal has already secured their spot at Euro 2024, set to take place in Germany, and Ronaldo remains a vital component of their team.
Despite elite competition within the Portuguese squad, including the likes of Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes, Rafael Leao, and Goncalo Ramos, Ronaldo’s recent goal-scoring record ensures his inclusion in the Euro 2024 squad. Meanwhile, Ronaldo has expressed that he has no immediate plans for retirement, emphasizing that he prefers to focus on and enjoy the present moment while being in good physical shape and enjoying his time at both Al Nassr and the Portugal national team.
Ronaldo’s accomplishments for Portugal are remarkable, as he holds the title of the all-time leading men’s goalscorer in international football with an impressive 128 goals in 205 senior appearances. Notably, he surpassed Iran’s Ali Daei’s longstanding record in September 2021. Ronaldo’s 205 caps for Portugal also place him atop the all-time appearance list in international football. As Euro 2024 approaches, Ronaldo’s legacy in the sport seems to be poised for further expansion.
