Cristiano Ronaldo sets clear timeline for retirement as Portugal superstar insists he has no plans to go into management

Lisbon: Cristiano Ronaldo set a timeline for retirement after scoring a brace in Portugal’s 5-1 thrashing of Poland.

Ronaldo is still going strong at 39 as he scored a brace, including an incredible bicycle kick, in the Nations League on Friday as Portugal recorded a 5-1 win over Poland. This was Ronaldo’s 132nd career win in international football as he went past Sergio Ramos’ tally and is now the player with the most victories with the national team in men’s football.

After the game, the Al-Nassr star, who turns 40 in February 2025, hinted that he is considering slowing down and could hang up his iconic boots in the next couple of years. However, the ex-Manchester United and Real Madrid star clearly stated that he won’t go into football management in future.

Speaking to reporters, the superstar said, “I just want to enjoy. Plan for retirement… if it has to happen, in one or two years… I don’t know. I’m turning 40 soon… I really want to enjoy, as long as I feel motivated I keep going. The day I don’t feel motivated, I will retire. When I decide to leave the national team, I’ll do it spontaneously but thoughtfully. There won’t be any advance announcements. I don’t see myself managing a team; that’s not in my plans. My future lies in other areas outside of football, although time will tell what happens.”

Ronaldo will be next seen in action on Monday as the Selecao take on Croatia in their final Nations League group-stage match before heading back to Saudi Arabia where Al-Nassr face Al-Qadisiyah in a Saudi Pro League clash on November 22.