'If I could, I would only play for the national team!' - Cristiano Ronaldo risks Al-Nassr backlash with strong admission of 'passion' for Portugal

As the 2026 World Cup draws closer, Ronaldo is focused on the ultimate goal: to add the most coveted trophy in football to his already impressive collection. Portugal, now stacked with a host of talent, is primed for a serious World Cup challenge. With Ronaldo at the helm, they believe they have the perfect chance to deliver a historic victory.

Despite spending years conquering club football across Europe and now in the Middle East, Ronaldo remains deeply committed to his national side. He was awarded the Globo de Prestigio trophy at the Portugal Football Globe gala on Tuesday night, and after laying his hands on it, he let his heart out on the stage. 

"I don't see this trophy as the end of a career, but rather as a continuation of everything I've done, my entire career," he said. "I've been with the national team for 22 years; I think that speaks for itself: the passion I have for wearing the jersey, for winning trophies, for playing for the national team. I often say: if I could, I would play football only for the national team; I wouldn't play for any other club because it's the culmination and the peak of a football player."

Ronaldo’s extraordinary international career has spanned more than two decades. He made his debut for Portugal back on August 20, 2003, when players like Bruno Fernandes, Rafael Leao, and Joao Felix were still in their early childhood. Since then, Ronaldo has carried his country on his shoulders, winning a European Championship and two UEFA Nations League titles, but the World Cup continues to elude him. During the award ceremony, he fondly remembered his past team-mates, many of whom were instrumental in his rise to stardom. 

"That's why I'm still here," he said. "I want to thank everyone who's here. So many generations have passed through the national team. I see so many former players here who were my team-mates. I see Rui [Costa], Pepe, Jorge Andrade, Beto, [Ricardo] Quaresma... and seeing them, I say: 'I'm still here.'"

But there’s more at stake for Ronaldo than just national glory; he’s also chasing an individual milestone that would further cement his name in history. The forward is close to smashing through the 1,000 career goals barrier, a remarkable feat that would make him the first player to achieve it. At 40, the hunger and drive are still there, and Ronaldo is aiming to break records and lead his country to the World Cup.

Ronaldo is back with the Portugal national team to take part in their next two World Cup qualifiers against Ireland and Hungary on Saturday and Tuesday, respectively, where he will aim to add to his record tally of 141 international goals. He may still play for Al-Nassr at club level, but his heart and soul are still fully invested in leading Portugal to glory on the world stage.