Report claims Cristiano Ronaldo could play last game for Portugal in September – Portugal Resident

Cristiano Ronaldo could be set to bring the curtain down on his record-breaking international career after Portugal’s UEFA Nations League match against Wales in September.

The speculation stems from comments by Jordanian sports journalist Mohammed Awaad, cited by goal.com, who said a Portuguese agent had told him Ronaldo plans to retire from international football after one final appearance for the national team.

According to the report, Portugal’s home Nations League fixture against Wales on September 24 at Lisbon’s Estádio José Alvalade would provide the 41-year-old with the opportunity to say farewell where his international journey began.

“He will play against Wales in the UEFA Nations League; the match will be at Sporting Lisbon’s stadium, José Alvalade,” Awaad wrote on social media, citing the unnamed Portuguese agent.

However, neither Ronaldo nor the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) has confirmed the reports, meaning his international future remains uncertain.

The reports come just weeks after Portugal’s elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which Ronaldo had already confirmed would be the final World Cup of his illustrious career. Following the tournament, the Al-Nassr forward stopped short of announcing his retirement from international football, saying only that the decision would come in due course.

If the reports prove accurate, Ronaldo will bow out after an unprecedented 23 years representing Portugal.

A career unlike any other

Since making his senior debut in 2003, Ronaldo has rewritten the international record books.

He is the most-capped men’s international footballer in history, having made 233 appearances for Portugal, while his 146 international goals are also a world record. During this summer’s World Cup, he became the first player ever to score at six different FIFA World Cups, adding another milestone to a career that has consistently pushed the boundaries of longevity.

His achievements with Portugal include leading the national team to its first major trophy at Euro 2016, followed by UEFA Nations League triumphs in 2019 and 2025.

While his international future remains the subject of speculation, Ronaldo’s club career is expected to continue. The veteran forward remains under contract with Al-Nassr until 2027 and has previously spoken of his ambition to become the first footballer to score 1,000 career goals. He is currently at 976, just 24 away from the milestone.

For now, however, Portugal fans will have to wait for official confirmation before knowing whether the Nations League meeting with Wales will indeed mark the final chapter of one of football’s greatest international careers.