Cristiano Ronaldo is still very much here. But what happens next?

When Portugal was knocked out of Euro 2024 on penalties last summer, many assumed it would be the end of Cristiano Ronaldo’s international career. At 39, having scored 130 goals for his country across five major tournaments, it seemed the German championship was simply too much. Ronaldo started all but one of Portugal’s five matches, took 29 shots without scoring, and despite a visibly waning influence, he remained on the pitch for the entirety of the quarter-final draw against France. On the bench, promising talents like Diogo Jota, Gonçalo Ramos, and Pedro Neto watched helplessly as manager Roberto Martínez refused to replace the veteran star.

In the wake of Portugal’s exit, consensus grew that both Martínez and Ronaldo should step aside to make way for a new generation of players unburdened by the shadow of Ronaldo’s immense ego. Yet, apparently, the message didn’t reach the decision-makers. On Wednesday, Portugal, led by Martínez and featuring Ronaldo, defeated Germany in the Nations League semi-final. Ronaldo himself scored the winning goal from a Nuno Mendes cross, helping Portugal come from behind and secure their spot in Sunday’s final against France or Spain. Following the victory, Ronaldo proudly declared, “Onwards, Portugal!” sparking applause from his supporters who saw his goal as proof he still deserved a place—despite many feeling otherwise.

Looking ahead, Ronaldo’s short-term future is clear, but his long-term ambitions seem even more so: the 41-year-old wants to play in the next World Cup. And with Martínez still at the helm, he is almost certain to get his wish, regardless of the potential disruption his continued presence may cause to the Portuguese squad.