Tue 27 Aug 2024, 01:10:57

While continuing to dazzle fans with his performances for Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr, Cristiano Ronaldo's plans for his national team career have come into sharp focus following Portugal's exit from Euro 2024 at the quarterfinal stage. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner holds the record for most international appearances in men's football, with 212 caps, since his debut in 2003, and has scored an astonishing 130 goals for his country.

Despite his legendary status, Ronaldo's future with the national team remains uncertain. Rumours suggest that the 39-year-old could be contemplating bringing an end to his illustrious international career. However, Ronaldo has stated that he's not currently planning to retire from Portugal duty and is fully focused on the upcoming UEFA Nations League matches.

"When I leave the national team, I won’t tell anyone beforehand and it will be a very spontaneous decision on my part, but also a very well thought out one. Right now, what I want most is to help the national team in its upcoming matches. We have the Nations League coming up soon and I would really like to play there," he said, as per an interview with Portuguese TV channel NOW, via Relevo.

As Ronaldo approaches his 41st birthday ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, many speculate whether the tournament will be his swansong on the

international stage. However, he remains committed to competing at the highest level, as evidenced by his determination to play in Portugal's upcoming matches against Croatia and Scotland in September. Ronaldo has also clarified that he does not see himself becoming a coach after his footballing career comes to an end.

"In my mind, at the moment, it is not about being a first team coach, or a coach of any team. I don't see my future being that way. I see myself doing other things outside of football, but only God knows what the future holds."

Alongside his footballing pursuits, Ronaldo has ventured into digital platforms, achieving staggering success on YouTube with his channel, 'UR Cristiano'. Within a short span, Ronaldo's channel has garnered a massive following, rapidly approaching 50 million subscribers. This, combined with his substantial presence on other social media platforms-112.7 million on Twitter, 170 million on Facebook, and 637 million on Instagram-positions Ronaldo to soon become the first individual to reach 1 billion combined followers across all social media.

With his footballing career winding down, Ronaldo's post-retirement plans appear to be shifting towards business and media ventures rather than coaching. He remains open about exploring new opportunities but acknowledges that only time will reveal his next steps.

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