Ronaldo retirement: Hélder Cristóvão criticises timing
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on La Nouvelle Tribune
Former Al-Nassr coach Hélder Cristóvão criticised Cristiano Ronaldo’s choice of timing for announcing his international retirement, saying he should have waited until after the 2026 World Cup and that the Portuguese Football Federation should have organised his departure. He nevertheless praised the captain’s legacy, in comments to Saudi newspaper Arriyadiyah.
Former Portuguese Al-Nassr coach Hélder Cristóvão believes Cristiano Ronaldo should have waited until after the 2026 World Cup to announce his international retirement. In comments to Saudi newspaper Arriyadiyah, he also said the Portuguese Football Federation should have organised the Portuguese captain’s departure.
Cristóvão nevertheless praised Ronaldo’s contribution to Portugal, highlighting his long captaincy, performances and longevity at the highest level. In 23 years with the national team, the forward won Euro 2016 and two Nations Leagues, in 2019 and 2025, according to La Nouvelle Tribune.
The former coach considers Ronaldo’s career difficult to reproduce and regards him as a unique player in the history of Portuguese football. Ronaldo will also continue his professional career with Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, without returning to the national team.
Hélder Cristóvão’s reaction comes after Cristiano Ronaldo’s international retirement, announced on 5 November. On 6 November, José Mourinho also reacted to the decision by refusing to judge Cristiano Ronaldo.
