Former Manchester United assistant coach, Rene Meulensteen, has suggested that Cristiano Ronaldo could potentially manage the Portugal national team in the future.
Ronaldo, who is closing in on the unprecedented milestone of 1,000 career goals, remains the only male player to have surpassed 900 goals. At 39 years old, discussions around his retirement continue to surface, with some football enthusiasts believing it may be time for the Al-Nassr forward to step away from the game.
While it is clear that Ronaldo’s playing career is approaching its twilight, speculation about his next chapter continues to grow. According to Meulensteen, coaching could be a natural progression for the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.
Speaking in an interview with Mega Dice and GOAL, Meulensteen highlighted Ronaldo’s passion for his country and the possibility of him transitioning into a managerial role.
“I only knew Cristiano when he was coming into the seniors as a young, upcoming player who made a massive impact,” Meulensteen said. “Whether he has the ambition to become a manager, I’m not sure. But would he like to manage Portugal one day? I would probably say yes, because he is so passionate about representing his country. I could see him wanting that.”
Ronaldo’s leadership and dedication to Portugal have been evident throughout his career, with his influence playing a crucial role in the nation’s triumphs, including the 2016 UEFA European Championship and the 2019 UEFA Nations League.
As Ronaldo’s playing days gradually wind down, the football world will continue to watch closely for any indication of his next move — potentially into the dugout
