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Star footballer and one of the greats of the game, Cristiano Ronaldo led his national team, Portugal into the quarter-finals of the UEFA Nations League. The 39-year-old scored two goals, including the brilliant bicycle kick goal during the side’s convincing win, combined with goals from Rafa Leao, Bruno Fernandes and Pedro Neto at the Estadio do Drago in Porto.
After taking the side to a comfortable win in the UEFA Nations League fixture, CR7 hinted at potential retirement plans, adding that he might step away from the game “in a year or two”. However, he still remains undecided on this move, but there have been several talks around his future plans with the Portugal international turning 40 in the coming months.
If it happens, it will be in a year or two. But I don’t know: CR7
Speaking after Portugal’s 5-1 win over Poland in the UEFA Nations League match on Friday, Ronaldo when asked about his future, replied, “I just want to enjoy the game. My plan of 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,” he added.
In the match against Poland, the 39-year-old delivered some stellar perfomance, including a bicycle kick goal. The moment of magic from Ronaldo came in the 87th minute with an overhead kick to pile up the misery on Poland. Vinitha ran through the right win and sent a looping cross for the legend, who was standing unmarked in front of the goal. Instead of touching or scoring a volley, Ronaldo jumped in a position to send the ball into the net.
With a positive result, Portugal not only sealed a place in the last eight, but also secured a place in Pot 1 for the 2026 World Cup qualifying draw. The 39-year-old international will next be seen in action as Portugal is scheduled to take on Croatia on Tuesday, November 19 at the Stadion Poljud in Split.
