NEW DELHI: Football legend Cristiano Ronaldo has hinted at potential retirement plans, saying he might step away from football in “a year or two” but remains undecided.
Speaking after Portugal’s emphatic 5-1 victory over Poland in the UEFA Nations League on Friday, Ronaldo shared, “I just want to enjoy the game. My plan for retirement? If it happens, it will be in a year or two… But I don’t know. I’ll be 40 soon, and I want to enjoy this moment while I still feel motivated. As soon as the motivation is gone, I’ll walk away.”
The iconic forward, who turns 40 in February next year, delivered a masterclass in Porto, scoring twice to secure Portugal’s place in the quarterfinals.
Ronaldo’s performance flourished once again in the national colours, as he netted his 134th international goal with a penalty and later added a spectacular overhead kick to bring his tally to 135.
Portugal took time to break through Poland’s defence, but a second-half flurry sealed the win.
Rafael Leão opened the scoring with a well-placed header, followed by Ronaldo’s composed penalty.
Bruno Fernandes then unleashed a stunning long-range strike before Ronaldo set up Pedro Neto for the fourth goal.
Ronaldo’s acrobatic finish in the final minutes added an exclamation point to the night.
Although Poland’s Dominik Marczuk scored a consolation goal, the defeat ended Poland’s quarterfinal hopes.
For Portugal, the result ensured not only a spot in the last eight but also placement in Pot 1 for the 2026 World Cup qualifying draw.
As Ronaldo contemplates his footballing future, his performance against Poland reaffirms his status as a living legend. Whether he retires soon or extends his illustrious career, Ronaldo’s impact on the game remains indelible.
