Cristiano Ronaldo has 'no plan' on when he will retire as Roberto Martinez explains why CR7 is still so important to Portugal national team – even if starting place is no longer 'guaranteed'

Cristiano Ronaldo, at 40 years of age, has “no plan” when it comes to a retirement date, says Portugal boss Roberto Martinez.

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• Continues to be called upon by his country
• Questions asked of future at Al-Nassr
• No plans to hang up boots any time soon

• Table of Contents

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  The five-time Ballon d’Or winner remains as important to his country as he has ever been, with his remarkable tally of international caps being taken to 219 and counting. Ronaldo has registered 136 goals across those appearances.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  He has been called upon again for UEFA Nations League duty, as Portugal prepare to face Germany in the semi-finals of that competition, and continues to don the captain’s armband when stepping onto the field.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Plenty have been quick to write Ronaldo off, having seen him head to the Saudi Pro League and pass a milestone birthday, but Martinez remains adamant that the all-time great can continue for as long he sees fit.

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  WHAT ROBERTO MARTINEZ SAID

  Portugal’s head coach told when asked about Ronaldo’s role in 2025: “On the field, he is meticulously monitored. Off the field, the players need to show team values, exemplary commitment. When we talk about players like Joao Neves and Mora, having the opportunity to speak to Cristiano helps their performance in the future with the national team.”