Former Portugal captain Luis Figo has said Cristiano Ronaldo must ultimately decide for himself when to bring his international career to an end, while stressing that the national team’s coaching staff must also determine whether the veteran forward still merits selection.
The debate over Ronaldo’s future with Portugal has intensified following Lionel Messi’s decision to retire from international football. However, Ronaldo has given no indication that he intends to follow his long-time rival out of the international game.
The Portuguese captain has instead maintained his willingness to step aside if the coaching staff concludes that he is no longer the right player to represent the country.
Ronaldo’s international future has also been discussed against the backdrop of his pursuit of a remarkable personal milestone. The 41-year-old has previously expressed his ambition to reach 1,000 career goals across all competitions and is reportedly still 21 goals short of the target.
His desire to reach that landmark could be one factor in his decision to continue playing, although his future with Portugal remains dependent on both his own intentions and the decisions of the national team hierarchy.
The issue came into sharper focus after Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus left Ronaldo on the bench during the team's 2-1 victory over Norway on Sunday. The veteran forward remained an unused substitute throughout the match.
Figo, who captained Portugal during his own distinguished international career, believes Ronaldo’s status alone should not guarantee him a place in the national team.
Speaking to ESPN FC, Figo acknowledged the enormous contribution Ronaldo has made to Portuguese football but said the decision over his continued selection must also rest with the coach.
“Of course, he should decide what he wants.
“I have big respect and consideration for him because of what he achieved all these years in football. He can make a personal decision, but in terms of the national team, it’s [also] the coach who has to decide.
“It’s not because he has a stature, or what he means to football, that he should have a place [in the national team]. It’s a big responsibility for the coach. But in terms of his decision, it is only him that can say what he wants. So it’s difficult for me to talk.”
Figo’s comments underline the distinction between Ronaldo’s extraordinary record and the practical demands of international football. While his achievements have established him as one of Portugal’s most influential players, selection ultimately depends on the technical assessment of the coaching staff.
Ronaldo has continued to play a significant role for Portugal despite entering the latter stages of his career, and his experience remains an important part of the national team’s identity.
However, his recent omission from the starting line-up against Norway has added another dimension to the discussion over how Portugal manages the transition between its established stars and the next generation of players.
For now, Ronaldo has not announced his international retirement, leaving the door open for another appearance for Portugal.
He will be hoping to return to the starting line-up when Portugal face Denmark in the UEFA Nations League.