'Very critical moment' - Portugal warned to start preparing for Cristiano Ronaldo's retirement NOW to avoid major 'decline'

Five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo has been a mainstay for his country over the last 22 years. The expectation is that his remarkable international career, which began while still in his teens, will be extended through to the World Cup finals in 2026.

CR7 has helped Portugal to European Championship and UEFA Nations League glory, posting record-shattering hauls of 217 caps and 135 goals along the way. He is, however, now 40 years of age and aware that nobody can play forever.

Carlos Queiroz has spoken of the need for Portugal to put plans in place for life after Ronaldo, with the ex-Manchester United coach telling the National Association of Football Coaches (ANTF) forum: “We still have the illusions that recent years have accustomed us to, but I think we are approaching a very critical moment.

“Sooner or later, we will have to face the decision of the departure of a brilliant player, who left his mark on Portuguese football, Cristiano. The big decisions for the future must be taken now to prevent the national team from going into decline. We have a new generation of players who can guarantee success, but if we go into decline, getting back on track will be more difficult.”

Queiroz added on finding suitable heirs to talismanic figures such as Ronaldo and Luis Figo: “We need to rethink the entire process of training players, identifying clubs, and make more comprehensive decisions about the potential of players to bring to the national team. We need to review the competitive frameworks to make players more dynamic.

“We also need to increase the number of players in Portugal. I don't see any reason why we shouldn't have 300 or 400 thousand effective players. The more there are, the more we can expect the genetics of Figo and Ronaldo's mothers and fathers to continue there.”

Ronaldo, who is showing no sign of slowing down at Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr, is back in the hunt for major silverware at present. Portugal are set to face Denmark in the first leg of their Nations League quarter-final on Thursday.