Mourinho Says Ronaldo Retirement Not Final
Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho commented on Cristiano Ronaldo's retirement announcement, saying it does not signify the end of his playing days.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Soccer
Real Madrid head coach Jose Mourinho responded to reporters' questions about Cristiano Ronaldo's retirement announcement, stating the news does not mark the end of Ronaldo's playing career. Mourinho also said the retirement should have been announced on a different day.
Why it matters
Mourinho coached Ronaldo at Real Madrid from 2010 to 2013, so his view carries weight from a figure who directed the forward during a period of major success. His comments add a dissenting note to the retirement announcement, leaving open questions about Ronaldo's future.
Mourinho and Ronaldo combined across 164 matches in all competitions at Real Madrid, winning the 2011-12 La Liga title together. Real Madrid's current 27 points leaves it third in La Liga after 11 games, while the future of Ronaldo's playing career remains unclear.
The players
Jose Mourinho
Jose Mourinho is the head coach of Real Madrid and previously coached Cristiano Ronaldo at the club between 2010 and 2013, winning La Liga together.
Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo is a Portuguese forward widely regarded as one of the greatest players of his generation, having won multiple major honors with Real Madrid.
Real Madrid
Real Madrid is a Spanish football club based in Madrid that competes in La Liga and the UEFA Champions League.
The details
Mourinho addressed the press ahead of Real Madrid's La Liga trip to Valencia, where the club faces Valencia at the Mestalla next. He said the announcement does not signify the end of Ronaldo's playing days, while Real Madrid carries a seven-match winning streak across all competitions into that fixture.
Timeline
- 2010 to 2013: Mourinho and Ronaldo worked together at Real Madrid.
- 2011-12 season: The pair won the La Liga title together.
- November 5, 2026: Ronaldo's retirement announcement, with Mourinho's comments following on November 6.
Season Trajectory
Real Madrid's 27 points after 11 games leave it third in La Liga, trailing leader Barcelona as the club builds a seven-match winning streak across competitions. Mourinho's comments on Ronaldo come as the club's season trajectory and title pursuit remain in focus.
Real Madrid's next league fixture is a trip to Valencia's Mestalla, where its seven-match winning streak across competitions will be tested. Fantasy and betting followers tracking Ronaldo's status should watch whether the retirement question affects his availability.
The takeaway
Retirement announcements in football are not always final, and Mourinho's comments suggest the question of Ronaldo's playing future is still open. Readers following Real Madrid should watch for further statements as the club prepares for its trip to Valencia.
Further reading
For more on the sport, see Soccer coverage.
