Cristiano Ronaldo’s future is his to decide, Portugal assistant coach Carvalho says | OneFootball

At an age when most footballers have long retired, Cristiano Ronaldo is still chasing goals, titles, and making history. More than two decades since his debut, Portugal’s all-time leading scorer shows no sign of slowing down, and according to national team assistant coach Ricardo Carvalho, he doesn’t have to.

Carvalho, who played alongside Ronaldo in the early 2000s and now serves as assistant to Roberto Martínez, believes the 40-year-old captain can remain a central figure for as long as he wishes.

Portugal’s Ricardo Carvalho, Cristiano Ronaldo and Pauleta in the Euro 2004 semi-final against the Netherlands in Lisbon. (Photo: Martin Rose/Getty Images)

Speaking with A BOLA, Carvalho indicated that there’s no clear end in sight for Ronaldo’s time with the national team, pointing to his consistent performance and long-standing contributions as reasons why he remains a valuable asset.

“The truth is he has built up so much credit over all these years. He’s feeling in good shape, which is the most important thing. He is helping that national team, he feels he belongs and he can help,” said the former Porto, Chelsea and Real Madrid centre-back.

From the coaching staff’s perspective, Ronaldo has built up enough trust over the years to continue playing without question, as long as he maintains his current level. “I have no idea how long he can go on for, whether he has a limit or not, but we are all very pleased that he is our captain and leading the team in the way he has led it,” added Carvalho.

Eyes on 2026: a sixth World Cup on the horizon

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup set to take place in the United States, Canada and Mexico, speculation around Ronaldo’s potential appearance is heating up. If selected, it would mark his record-breaking sixth appearance on football’s biggest stage, a feat no male player has ever achieved.

While nothing is guaranteed, the Portugal coaching staff appears confident that the forward has both the fitness and form to be part of the squad. His recent performances for both club and country suggest he’s still capable of contributing at the highest level. In 2025 alone, Ronaldo has remained among the top scorers for Al-Nassr and continues to deliver in World Cup qualifiers.

The Seleção captain has scored in four goals in four UEFA qualifying Group F matches so far. All told, Ronaldo has scored at least one goal in each of Portugal’s last 7 matches.

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Still Portugal’s driving force after 20 years

Ronaldo made his international debut in 2003, back when Carvalho was still locking down Portugal’s back line. Since then, the forward has collected 143 international goals, a European Championship title, two Nations League trophies, and a staggering total of 949 senior career goals.

His return to the national team after a brief post-Qatar 2022 absence was no accident. Head coach Roberto Martínez, early in his tenure, emphasized Ronaldo’s importance and helped reintegrate him into the team, not out of nostalgia, but necessity.

Carvalho praised head coach Roberto Martínez for reinstating Ronaldo to the national team setup after the 2022 World Cup, noting that internal discussions among the coaching staff reflect confidence in Ronaldo’s ability to remain competitive and to feature at the 2026 tournament.

With the tournament less than a year away, Ronaldo is still producing. For club side Al-Nassr, he’s contributed 33 goals and three assists in 2025 alone. He’s also playing a key role in Portugal’s World Cup qualifying campaign, converting crucial chances and captaining the squad through another transition phase.

Captaincy, criticism, and the fight against time

Despite calls for Portugal to promote younger leaders, Ronaldo still wears the armband and still commands the dressing room. That leadership, Carvalho insisted, isn’t at odds with the development of other stars.

There’s no shortage of talent in Portugal’s ranks. Players like Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes and Vitinha have all stepped into leadership roles at their respective clubs. Yet none carry Ronaldo’s resume, nor his gravitational pull on and off the pitch.

Critics argue that his presence may limit opportunities for rising stars, while others view him as irreplaceable. Ronaldo has addressed the scrutiny with composure, stating he’ll step away when the time is right, not out of pressure, but personal judgment.

For now, his influence remains central, not just tactically, but culturally. Teammates often speak of his standards in training, his obsession with preparation, and his role in maintaining a competitive edge within the squad.

Younger players have described Ronaldo as both a mentor and a motivator, someone whose presence elevates expectations. While the timeline for his eventual exit remains unclear, what’s certain is that Portugal continues to benefit from his experience, drive and winning mentality. As the 2026 World Cup approaches, the focus isn’t on when he’ll leave, but how far he can still take his national team.