At 40 years old, Cristiano Ronaldo insists he has no intention of stopping and still wants to contribute to the Portugal national team on their road to the 2026 World Cup.
Cristiano Ronaldo recently spoke about his playing future during the Globe Prestige awards ceremony in Portugal. Despite turning 40, he continues to hold a strong passion for football and affirmed his desire to keep wearing the national team jersey for some more time.
“I want to keep playing for a few more years, not many,” Ronaldo stated. “I’m still creating positive impact, helping both my club and the national team. So why should I stop? When I retire, I will leave satisfied because I have given everything I could.”
His statement received strong support from coach Roberto Martinez, who still considers Ronaldo a key figure in the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign. If he maintains his current form, CR7 could appear in his sixth World Cup — a historic milestone never before achieved in world football.
Since the start of the season, Ronaldo has maintained consistent performance. He scored 4 goals for Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League and added 3 more for Portugal in World Cup qualifiers. Earlier this year, he extended his contract with Al Nassr for 2 more years, allowing him to play until age 42.
In his speech, the Portuguese superstar showed emotion when reflecting on the significance of each match at this stage of his career: “I know I don’t have many years left in professional football, but I enjoy every moment. I don’t plan long-term; I live in the present and savor every training session.”
He also emphasized that his motivation remains intact, especially as Portugal prepares for two crucial matches against Ireland and Hungary. “Our goal is to win and secure a spot in the World Cup. Whatever happens next, time will tell,” Ronaldo shared.
At an age when many players have left the pitch, Ronaldo still maintains rare determination and professionalism. For him, continuing to play is not only about chasing achievements but also about fully enjoying the final chapters of his illustrious career. CR7’s words once again demonstrate his ageless fighting spirit and endless passion for football.