Cristiano Ronaldo has not retired from international football following Portugal’s exit from the 2022 FIFA World Cup, despite widespread speculation regarding his future. The forward, who holds the record for the most international appearances and goals in men’s football history, remains a key figure for the Portuguese national team under manager Roberto Martínez.
International Career Status After the 2022 World Cup
Following Portugal’s 1-0 quarter-final loss to Morocco in December 2022, Ronaldo left the pitch in tears, fueling immediate rumors that his time with the national squad had concluded. However, these reports were speculative. In March 2023, Portugal’s newly appointed head coach, Roberto Martínez, included Ronaldo in his squad for the UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying matches.
Martínez emphasized that Ronaldo’s commitment and experience were vital to the team’s transition. According to official UEFA records, Ronaldo subsequently broke the world record for the most international caps, surpassing Kuwaiti forward Bader Al-Mutawa. By the conclusion of Euro 2024, Ronaldo had extended his record-breaking tally of international goals to 130, as documented by FIFA.
Comparison of Tournament Outcomes
The narrative surrounding Ronaldo’s international future often centers on the contrast between his club performance and his tournament milestones.
| Tournament | Final Result | Context |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 World Cup | Quarter-finals | Lost 0-1 to Morocco; Ronaldo benched in knockout stages. |
| Euro 2024 | Quarter-finals | Lost to France on penalties; Ronaldo featured as a starter. |
While the 2022 World Cup marked a difficult period where Ronaldo was relegated to the bench for Portugal’s knockout games against Switzerland and Morocco, his role was restored under Martínez. Throughout the 2024 European Championship cycle, he remained the primary focal point of the Portuguese attack.
Ongoing Commitment to Portugal
Ronaldo has publicly addressed his future on multiple occasions, consistently stating his desire to continue representing his country as long as he remains competitive. In a press conference during the 2024 international window, he reiterated that his motivation remains tied to the team’s success rather than individual accolades.
The speculation regarding his retirement often stems from his age and his move to the Saudi Pro League with Al-Nassr. Despite the change in club environment, his participation in the UEFA Nations League and continued selection for the national team confirms that he has not stepped away from international duties. As of late 2024, he continues to be an active, eligible member of the Portugal senior squad.