Cristiano Ronaldo, even at 41 years old, remains a central figure for both his club, Al Nassr, and the Portugal national team. Still drawing global attention, the key question now is when the legendary striker will take the field again.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s next fixture with Portugal is scheduled for Thursday, September 24, when the Selecao host Wales on Matchday 1 of the 2026-27 UEFA Nations League campaign, with formal squad selections expected shortly. The forward’s most recent international appearance came on July 6, when Spain eliminated Portugal in a tight 1-0 World Cup Round of 16 clash.
On the domestic side, Ronaldo’s next match with Al Nassr takes place on Friday, October 9, when the Saudi club host Al Diriyah for Matchday 8 of the Saudi Pro League season at Al Awwal Park. The Portuguese star enters that fixture looking to rebound after going scoreless during a heavy 4-0 defeat against Al Ain in their AFC Champions League Elite debut.
Across the 2026-27 campaign, which Ronaldo hinted could represent his final year as a professional, the Portuguese icon has logged three goals in seven appearances for Al Nassr, while adding five goals in five UEFA World Cup qualifiers and three goals during the 2026 World Cup, bringing his official career tally to 979 goals.
Cristiano Ronaldo #7 of Portugal celebrates scoring a goal.
Ronaldo’s potential last season
In an interview with Vogue magazine, Ronaldo offered a direct appraisal regarding his timeline for retirement: “This is probably my last year of football, and I want to leave a spectacular legacy. I have my future all mapped out. I have so many things to keep me busy that to tell you just one thing is hard. Because football could leave a big hole, you have to fill your time in various ways, not just one.“
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The veteran forward added that he intends to “have more fun, travel more, watch and play padel,” while enjoying the achievements of his decorated playing career. In the interim, his final campaign presents a closing window to add to his trophy collection before officially hanging up his boots.
Having captured the Saudi Pro League title with Al Nassr during the 2025-26 season, Ronaldo and his teammates enter the domestic campaign as defending champions, alongside an active pursuit of Asian glory in the AFC Champions League Elite. At the international level, his inclusion for the 2026-27 UEFA Nations League group stage sets up what is projected to be his final competitive tournament with Portugal.
