Even at 40 years previous, Cristiano Ronaldo stays the heartbeat of Portuguese soccer. From the glittering lights of Riyadh with Al-Nassr to the roaring crowds of Lisbon, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner continues to defy time, statistics, and expectations. Now, as Portugal prepares for 2 essential 2026 World Cup Qualifiers in opposition to Eire and Hungary, the captain has as soon as once more made headlines — not for one more report, however for a 10-word assertion that’s each humble and defiant.
Ronaldo’s phrases, shared throughout a glittering night on the Portugal Soccer Globes ceremony, provided a glimpse into the thoughts of a person who has achieved almost all the things — however nonetheless refuses to cease.
The evening started with a tribute worthy of his legacy. Cristiano Ronaldo walked onto the stage to obtain the Globe Status Award — a recognition of his profession, affect, and influence on Portuguese and world soccer.
“It’s not an end-of-career award,” he clarified with a smile. “I see it as recognition of years of effort, dedication, and ambition. I like successful, serving to the youthful generations — they usually additionally assist me preserve my stage and proceed competing. That’s what excites me: competing with the youthful ones. I nonetheless have a ardour for this.”
At 40, ardour is exactly what drives him. Whereas others of his technology have lengthy retired, Ronaldo stays Portugal’s emotional and tactical chief. He continues to attain for Al-Nassr and for his nationwide group, with an astonishing 946 profession targets to his title — and a watch on reaching the legendary 1,000-goal milestone.
Household strain and the fireplace inside
The striker revealed that even these closest to him suppose it’s time to name it a day. However Cristiano Ronaldo, as all the time, writes his personal script. “Folks, particularly my household, say: ‘It’s time so that you can cease. You’ve completed all the things. Why do you need to rating a thousand targets?’ However I don’t suppose so. I feel I’m nonetheless producing good issues, I’m serving to my membership and the nationwide group, and why not maintain going?”
That is the place his now-famous 10-word assertion got here in — a refined however highly effective message that silenced hypothesis about his future: “I need to maintain taking part in for just a few extra years.” It was easy, honest, and deeply Ronaldo. The veteran ahead isn’t chasing time; he’s embracing it. His mindset is not about proving doubters incorrect, however about having fun with each second left on the pitch.
The final word aim earlier than goodbye
Ronaldo’s drive is anchored by one final dream — the 2026 World Cup. If he makes it, he’ll turn into the first participant in historical past to look in six editions of the event, alongside his everlasting rival, Lionel Messi. “I’m positive that after I end, I’ll be fulfilled, as a result of I gave it my all,” he stated. “I do know I don’t have many extra years, however the few I’ve, I’ll attempt to take pleasure in to the fullest.”
After which, maybe with a wink to the youthful technology beside him, he added: “If I might, I’d play soccer just for the nationwide group. It’s the height of a soccer participant’s profession. Enjoying for Portugal is an honor, all the time has been.”
Selecao supervisor Roberto Martinez continues to depend on Ronaldo’s management, and the numbers justify it. With 141 worldwide targets in 223 appearances, he’s not solely the most capped participant in soccer historical past, but in addition the prime scorer in worldwide soccer.
