Cristiano Ronaldo has stated that his retirement decision will depend on his motivation, hinting at a potential timeline of two years. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner will inevitably have to retire someday, but he frequently dismisses the idea, emphasizing his continued passion for the game and the numerous milestones he still aims to achieve.
At 39 years old, Ronaldo showcased his timeless brilliance, scoring twice, including a spectacular bicycle kick, in Portugal’s commanding 5-1 victory over Poland in a Nations League match on Saturday. The win secured Portugal’s place in the quarter-finals alongside Italy, France, Germany, and Spain.
The first half ended goalless as both teams struggled to find a breakthrough, but Portugal took the lead in the 59th minute through Rafael Leao, with Cristiano Ronaldo doubling the advantage three minutes later by converting a penalty following Jakub Kiwior’s handball in the box. In the 80th minute, Bruno Fernandes, a former Manchester United teammate of Ronaldo, extended Portugal’s lead to 3-0. Just three minutes later, Ronaldo, now at Al Nassr, set up Pedro Neto for Portugal’s fourth goal with a brilliant pass.
Ronaldo delivered a moment of brilliance in the 87th minute, scoring a stunning overhead kick to add to Poland’s woes. Vinitha, charging down the right wing, delivered a perfect cross, and Ronaldo, unmarked in front of goal, finished with finesse. Rather than volleying the ball, the former Real Madrid star leaped into position to direct it into the net. Poland managed a consolation goal through Dominik Marczuk.
Don't scroll without liking this Cristiano Ronaldo bicycle kick ♥️ pic.twitter.com/Vrjnl4UxIR
— Fabrizio Romano (Parody) (@fabrizoromanoz) November 16, 2024
Ronaldo’s stunning overhead kick also evoked memories of his iconic bicycle kick for Real Madrid against Juventus in the 2018 UEFA Champions League quarterfinal first leg.
After the game, the former Real Madrid star gave an update on his potential retirement saying, ” “I just want to enjoy. Plan for retirement… if it has to happen, in one or two years… I don’t know. I’m turning 40 soon… I really want to enjoy it, as long as I feel motivated I keep going. The day I don’t feel motivated, I will retire”.
Ronaldo is approaching the milestone of 1000 goals, but it will likely take him several more seasons to reach that target. He has also humorously mentioned that his son, who is currently in an academy in Saudi Arabia, hopes he will continue playing so they can one day share the pitch together.
“My son tells me: Dad, hold on a few more years, I want to play with you!” he said back in 2022.
In their last Nations League group game, Ronaldo and Portugal will play Croatia on Monday, November 18. The Portuguese have already qualified for the last 8 of the competition by securing a top 2 finish in their group.
Mohd Faisal Hakak is a sports author from Kashmir. He likes to keep tabs on the sporting world with a keen interest in football, motorsports, NBA, and other marquee sports. He is a science graduate from Islamia College Srinagar.
