Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed that he intends to continue representing Portugal, saying he still believes he can contribute to the national team while pursuing the milestone of 1,000 career goals.
The 41-year-old Portugal captain made the comments ahead of the team’s UEFA Nations League opener against Wales on Thursday. Ronaldo currently has 979 senior career goals — 833 for clubs and 146 for Portugal — leaving him 21 goals short of the 1,000-goal mark.
Ronaldo acknowledged that he had considered his international future following Portugal’s elimination from the 2026 World Cup in the round of 16 by eventual champions Spain. However, discussions with Portuguese Football Federation officials and new head coach Jorge Jesus convinced him to continue.
The veteran forward said he still has the ability to help Portugal both by scoring goals and contributing to the team away from the pitch. He also indicated that he would step away when he feels he is no longer making a meaningful contribution.
Reaching 1,000 career goals is one of Ronaldo’s major remaining targets. He has also set his sights on helping Portugal win another Nations League title after the country lifted the trophy in 2019 and 2025.
Jorge Jesus has confirmed that Ronaldo will feature against Wales in Portugal’s first Nations League match under the new coach. Portugal will then face Norway, Denmark and Norway again during the current international window.
Ronaldo has described scoring his 1,000th goal for Portugal as a particularly meaningful achievement, while stressing that the milestone is not an obsession and that he wants to continue enjoying football.