Cristiano Ronaldo has spoken ahead of Portugal’s opening UEFA Nations League 2026/27 fixture against Wales tomorrow, Thursday, making his ambitions clear as the Portuguese captain begins another international campaign.
Speaking to the media on the eve of the match, Ronaldo revealed that his two main objectives are to reach 1,000 career goals and win the Nations League with Portugal. He also confirmed that he still believes he can make a difference for the national team after considering his international future following the World Cup.
Ronaldo currently has 979 career goals, including 146 for Portugal, leaving him just 21 goals away from the historic 1,000-goal milestone. However, the 41-year-old insisted that reaching the landmark is not an obsession and that he wants to continue enjoying his football.
The Portugal captain also addressed his international future, explaining that he had considered leaving the national team after the World Cup. He ultimately decided to continue because he still believes he can contribute to Portugal, both through his goals and by supporting the team's younger generation.
Ronaldo refused to give a definitive retirement date, saying he will leave international football when he feels he is no longer contributing on the pitch or helping the team achieve its objectives.
Thursday's match against Wales will also mark a new beginning for Portugal under Jorge Jesus, who has confirmed that Ronaldo will start the Nations League opener. The match will be played at the José Alvalade Stadium in Lisbon, a venue closely connected to the beginning of Ronaldo's professional career.
Ronaldo's Key Messages
- His objectives are to reach 1,000 goals and win the Nations League.
- He does not consider the 1,000-goal target an obsession.
- He considered retiring from international football after the World Cup.
- He will leave when he feels he can no longer contribute to Portugal.
- He wants to help the country's emerging generation.
- He is expected to start against Wales in Portugal's Nations League opener.