If I Could, I Would Only Play For Portugal – Cristiano Ronaldo’s Passionate Confession

Cristiano Ronaldo has never been one to hide his emotions on or off the pitch, and once again, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner has stirred up the sports market with his heartfelt words. At 40 years old, with a legendary career behind him and still a few battles ahead, Ronaldo admitted in a candid moment that if he could, he would only play for the Portugal national team.

Speaking after receiving the prestigious Globo de Prestigio trophy at the Portugal Football Globe gala, Ronaldo made it clear where his heart lies. Despite years of dominating club football across Europe and now showcasing his brilliance in Saudi Arabia with Al-Nassr, his deepest passion remains tied to wearing the Portuguese jersey.

“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. If I could, I would play football only for the national team,” Ronaldo confessed.

The World Cup Dream Still Alive

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup just around the corner, Ronaldo has set his sights on the one prize that has eluded him throughout his glittering career. Portugal now boasts a golden generation stacked with stars like Bruno Fernandes, Rafael Leão, Bernardo Silva, and João Félix—players who grew up idolizing Ronaldo and are now sharing the stage with him.

For Ronaldo, this is more than just football. It’s legacy. Winning the World Cup would be the ultimate chapter in his story, and with Portugal in prime form, the dream feels closer than ever.

A Journey Spanning Generations

Ronaldo’s international career began in 2003, and two decades later, he’s still carrying the national team on his shoulders. Along the way, he has lifted the UEFA European Championship (2016) and two UEFA Nations League titles, but his hunger hasn’t faded.

During his speech, he paid tribute to teammates of the past, calling out legends like Rui Costa, Quaresma, Pepe, and Jorge Andrade—reminding the football world that he has stood the test of time through multiple generations.

Why This Matters For The Sports Market

In today’s sports market, stories like Ronaldo’s aren’t just about football—they are about branding, legacy, and influence. Ronaldo’s confession resonates with fans globally because it highlights passion over profit, loyalty over contracts. This is the very spirit that keeps fans engaged and why sports blogs like ours exist—to capture those emotional moments that shape history.

Final Whistle

Cristiano Ronaldo’s message is clear: while he continues to honor his club commitments, the heartbeat of his career is Portugal. Whether or not he lifts the World Cup in 2026, his passion has already carved his name as one of the greatest in football history.

At Sports Market International, we celebrate not just the goals and trophies but the stories, emotions, and legacies that make football the beautiful game.