Why Will Cristiano Ronaldo Not Play UEFA Nations League for Portugal?

When Portugal takes to the field as defending champions in the 2026/27 UEFA Nations League, they will have a huge void in the team. The team might be without Cristiano Ronaldo, who has been an ever-present in the squad for over two decades. Find out what Ronaldo's Nations League means for the inevitable Ronaldo retirement.

Cristiano Ronaldo's Retirement on the Cards?

The undisputed Greatest of All Time for millions, Cristiano Ronaldo, recently turned 41. The former Real Madrid icon declared that the upcoming FIFA World Cup will be his last major tournament.

"Definitely, yes," replied Ronaldo when quizzed on the same at the Tourism World Tourism Summit.

“I feel very good in this moment. I score goals, I still feel quick and sharp, and I'm enjoying my game in the national team. Let's be honest, when I mean soon (the end of his playing career), I mean probably one or two years," added Ronaldo when giving away the biggest hint on his retirement.

Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup appearance will mark his sixth World Cup finals, which will be a record, and it also might be his final one.

“I'm enjoying the moment. But when I mean soon, it's really soon, because I give everything to football. I've been in the game for the last 25 years, and I've done everything. I have many records. I'm really proud. So let's enjoy the moment, live the moment,” added Ronaldo, revealing how content he was with his career.

But he is on the brink of 1000 career goals, and knowing his mentality, the Al Nassr forward will be eyeing one more record before hanging up his boots.

Is Ronaldo's Nations League chapter closed?

Since Ronaldo confirmed that the World Cup will be his final major tournament, we can expect him to retire after the tournament. The 2026/27 Nations League is set to take place months after the World Cup. It will be linked to the 2028 UEFA Euro qualification. Selecao das Quinas won the tournament in 2025 thanks to Ronaldo's goal-scoring heroics in the finals against Spain.

Ronaldo also scored in the semis and proved his big game credentials. But given it is after the World Cup, we might not see him enter the tournament this time around. Portugal might arrange a friendly before the tournament begins as a final game to celebrate Ronaldo's retirement.

The Portugal National Football Team was grouped together with Denmark, Norway, and Wales in Group A4 of League A for the 2026/27 edition of the Nations League.