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RMA
AFCON 2025
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Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed he seriously contemplated retiring from the Portugal national team after a difficult period.
Cristiano Ronaldo, the most prolific scorer in the history of men’s international football, has opened up about a period of deep uncertainty where he nearly walked away from the Portuguese national team.
The legendary forward admitted that his frustration following the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar almost led him to hang up his international boots.
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Despite scoring 130 goals, contributing 45 assists, and landing two major trophies (Euro 2016 and the 2019 Nations League), with Portugal, Ronaldo’s experience in Qatar was a career low.
After scoring just once and being famously benched by then-manager Fernando Santos during the knockout stages, the shock exit to Morocco left Ronaldo questioning his future.
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19:50 - 23.01.2026
WATCH: Cristiano Ronaldo leads hero's welcome for Sadio Mane after AFCON triumph
Cristiano Ronaldo led the celebrations at Al-Nassr on Friday as he gave Sadio Mane a hero’s welcome following the winger's triumphant return from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Speaking candidly about the internal struggle he faced, Ronaldo revealed that the decision to continue wasn't one he made alone. He and his family spent weeks weighing whether his time at the highest level had come to an end.
“I’m not going to lie. In our lives, we have to put everything on the scale. We thought, we reflected, my family and I, but then we concluded that, despite the difficulties, we cannot throw in the towel. I was able to see situations from different angles. I learned a lot from that."
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Ronaldo back in form under Roberto Martinez
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Since Roberto Martínez took over as Portugal manager in January 2023, Cristiano Ronaldo has scored 25 goals and provided several record-breaking moments.
The Martínez era has been incredibly productive for the 40-year-old, who has revitalised his international career under the Spaniard's leadership.
Even as he enters his 41st year, Cristiano Ronaldo remains a central figure in Portugal's plans for the 2026 World Cup.
While head coach Roberto Martínez has been clear that every player must consistently earn their spot, the veteran captain's experience and clinical finishing make him a big piece of the puzzle.