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Cristiano Ronaldo continues his international career with Portugal, aiming for 1,000 goals

At 41, Cristiano Ronaldo reaffirms his commitment to the Portuguese national team and seeks to reach the milestone of 1,000 goals in his career.

25 September 2026Tagblick Newsdesk

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Archive photo: Cristiano Ronaldo continues his international career with Portugal, aiming for 1,000 goals — Archive photoPhoto: VictorInLA · Wikimedia Commons · CC0

Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed that he will continue playing for the Portugal national team despite the criticism he faced after the last World Cup. The forward, who turns 41, is determined to continue his international journey and aims to reach 1,000 career goals, being 21 goals shy of this milestone.

Ronaldo spoke about the challenges he has faced, mentioning that some critics have tried to 'finish' him off. However, the player is confident in his ability to contribute to the team in this new chapter, under the guidance of coach Jorge Jesus, who considers him vital for the team's success.

Despite having considered retirement after the World Cup, the player has decided to continue and feels ready for the upcoming challenges. Ronaldo expressed that he is not focused on his potential retirement, but on the present and the immediate goals he has with Portugal, especially with the start of the UEFA Nations League.

In his first official appearance after the World Cup, Ronaldo spoke at the Portugal Football Summit, where he emphasized that he still has a lot to offer to international football. His commitment was reaffirmed ahead of a match against Wales, where he once again captured media attention.

Ronaldo has a total of 233 international matches, a significant record that reflects his longevity and dedication to the sport. At the start of this new phase, the veteran player is not only looking to add titles for Portugal but also to reach a new personal milestone with 1,000 goals, which he considers the 'icing on the cake.'

Football fans and analysts have been attentive to his performance and the decisions of the coaching staff, who trust Ronaldo's experience to lead the team in this competition. His ongoing career is seen as a blend of personal aspirations and a desire to contribute to his national team's victories.

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