The 40-year-old was honoured with the Global Prestige award by the Portuguese Football Federation this week, celebrating the 22 years he has represented the national team, during which time he has earned a record 223 caps.
“But I don’t think so. I think I’m still producing good things, I’m helping my club and the national team, and why not keep going?
“I’m sure that when I finish, I’ll be fulfilled, because I gave it my all. I know I don’t have many more years, but the few I have, I try to enjoy to the fullest.”
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Ronaldo was quick to dismiss the idea that the Global Prestige award is a commemoration of his career; rather, it is just a symbol of his profound impact on football, which he feels is ongoing.
“It’s not an end-of-career award. I see it as recognition of years of effort, dedication, and ambition.
“I like winning, helping the younger generations, and they also help me maintain my level and continue competing. That’s what excites me: competing with the younger ones. I still have a passion for this.”
Despite spending the past three-and-a-half seasons outside the elite European football leagues, Ronaldo has maintained his stellar form on the international stage, making several vital contributions in recent months.
He has scored three times in Portugal’s two World Cup qualifying matches thus far, while also scoring in the UEFA Nations League semi-final and final – victories over Germany and Spain respectively.
All the while, Ronaldo has also been firing for Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League. He won the division’s golden boot with 25 goals last season, and has already notched four so far this term.
He signed a new contract with the Saudi club in June, committing his future until 2027 – when he will be 42-years-old.
“I often say to you that if I could, I would only play football for the national team. I wouldn’t play for any other club because it is the culmination and the peak of a football player,” he said. “It’s an honour for me to play for the national team.”
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Portugal face the Republic of Ireland on Saturday before their fixture against Hungary three days later. They currently top Group F with a three-point lead over second-placed Armenia.
“I’m sure the next games will go well and that we will qualify for the World Cup,” Ronaldo said. “Obviously, our goal is to go to the World Cup and win, but we have to take everything step by step.”
If Ronaldo is present at next year’s World Cup – taking place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico – it will be the record sixth edition of the competition in which he has represented Portugal.
He made his World Cup debut in 2006, and has not missed any since. His maiden World Cup was Portugal’s best finish, as they were defeated 1-0 by France in the semi-final, while they also reached the quarter-finals at Qatar 2022.
Ronaldo’s first major international trophy was Euro 2016 and he has also won the Nations League twice.
