Ronaldo plans to retire after contract until 2027 and leaves Portugal

On Al‑Nassr's training ground, Cristiano Ronaldo looks directly into the camera while talking about his future. The 41‑year‑old striker, who is contractually bound in Saudi Arabia until the summer of 2027, thereby signals the impending end of his playing career.

Contract in Saudi Arabia until 2027

Ronaldo remains tied to Al‑Nassr until the summer of 2027 and is expected to retire from professional football thereafter. His premature departure from the Portuguese national team is seen as a symbol of a long‑standing debate that occupies all observers.

Statistics and Records

With 146 goals in 234 international matches, the striker holds two national records that are hardly breakable in Portugal. These figures reflect the focus of the most successful scorer of all time on measurable achievements.

Achievements and Titles

Since his debut in the national jersey in 2004, Portugal has won the Nations League twice (2019, 2025) and the European Championship in 2016, but never a World Cup title. Despite these successes, a World Cup triumph has remained out of reach for Ronaldo.

Relationship with the Team

The relationship between Ronaldo and the team was never stable; he was often seen as a selfish player, but after an injury in the Euro 2016 final he took on a central role as a co‑coach. Thus he suddenly appeared as a team player who subordinated himself to the team's success.

Contribution to Euro 2016

In the Euro 2016 tournament he scored a double and provided two assists against Hungary, as well as a goal and an assist in the semi‑final against Wales, which was decisive for the title. Nevertheless, the tournament was marked by a lot of luck, as Portugal did not win any game within 90 minutes until the semi‑final.

Last Appearance at Euro 2024

At the Euro 2024 in Germany he remained goalless for the first time at a major tournament, even though his expected‑goals value was 3.6. The missed chances highlighted the waning influence of the 39‑year‑old striker.

Criticism, Comparison and Outlook

Critics point out that seven of his 11 World Cup goals and four of his 14 Euro goals were scored from penalties, and compare him to Lionel Messi, who has improved the team more. Ronaldo announced that he will explain the real reasons for his departure to fans on Instagram: “At the appropriate time I will tell all Portuguese the truth about the reasons that motivated me to leave the national team, for which I have always sacrificed myself.” Cristiano emphasizes that he has always fought for Portugal and now wants to share the truth.