Cristiano Ronaldo scored a brace in Real Madrid’s 3-1 victory over Athletic Bilbao on October 29, 2023, and addressed retirement rumors by stating, “Everyone thought I should retire,” according to a post-match interview. The 38-year-old forward’s performance came amid ongoing speculation about his future, with the club confirming no immediate plans to release him.
Ronaldo’s Double Sparks Debate Over His Longevity
Ronaldo’s two goals in the 68th and 82nd minutes against Athletic Bilbao, including a 35-yard free-kick, were his 12th and 13th of the season across all competitions. The goals extended his lead as La Liga’s top scorer, with 14 goals in 12 matches, according to official league statistics. His performance drew comparisons to his peak years, with former teammate Xavi Hernández noting, “Cristiano’s physicality and precision are still elite, but the question remains: how much longer can he sustain this?”
The match, played at Estadio Santiago Bernabéu in Madrid, saw Real Madrid overcome a first-half deficit after Athletic Bilbao’s Unai López opened the scoring in the 23rd minute. Ronaldo’s intervention shifted momentum, with manager Carlo Ancelotti crediting his “mental strength” for the turnaround.
Retirement Rumors Followed Ronaldo After Inconsistent Start
Ronaldo’s comments emerged after a mixed start to the 2023-24 season, during which he scored six goals in his first 10 La Liga matches. Some analysts, including ESPN’s Guillem Balague, questioned whether his declining pace and increased reliance on set pieces signaled a natural decline. “Cristiano’s body is showing age, but his hunger remains,” Balague wrote in a column published October 25.
Despite the criticism, Ronaldo’s social media posts following the Bilbao match included a video of him training, with the caption: “Every day is a new challenge. I’m not done yet.” The post, which garnered over 3 million likes, was shared by Real Madrid’s official account, though the club has not issued a public statement on his future.
Teammates and Coaches Defend Ronaldo’s Impact
Real Madrid’s squad has consistently backed Ronaldo’s contributions, with captain Luka Modrić stating, “Cristiano’s experience in big games is invaluable. He’s the heartbeat of this team.” Midfielder Fede Valverde added, “When he’s on, we’re unstoppable. That’s why we keep fighting for him.”
Anceleotti, who has deployed Ronaldo as a forward in recent matches, acknowledged the winger’s evolving role. “Cristiano is no longer the same player, but his intelligence and work rate make him irreplaceable,” the manager said in a press conference. The coach also emphasized that the club has “no intention of letting him go,” though he did not rule out potential transfers in the future.
Historical Context: Ronaldo’s Previous Comebacks
Ronaldo’s current form echoes his 2021-22 season with Manchester United, when he scored 18 goals in 36 Premier League games at age 36. That campaign, which included a Champions League semifinal appearance, was seen as a validation of his ability to adapt to new systems. Former United teammate Paul Pogba later remarked, “Cristiano proved that age is just a number. He still leads by example.”
Comparisons to his 2014-15 season at Real Madrid, where he scored 45 goals in all competitions, are less direct. However, Ronaldo’s current goal-per-game ratio (1.17) remains higher than the league average for players over 35, according to Opta data.
Global Fan Reactions and Social Media Trends
Online discourse has been divided, with #RonaldoBack trending on Twitter after the match. Fans in Brazil, where he played for Corinthians early in his career, praised his “unstoppable spirit,” while others in Spain questioned whether he should “make way for younger players.”
A poll conducted by Marca, a Spanish sports newspaper, found that 62% of respondents believed Ronaldo should continue playing, while 38% supported a transition to a coaching role. The survey, which included 5,000 participants, was conducted October 28-30.
What’s Next for Ronaldo and Real Madrid?
Real Madrid’s next match, scheduled for November 4 against Granada, will be critical in assessing Ronaldo’s form. The club has not confirmed whether he will start, but Ancelotti hinted at a “strategic approach” to manage his workload. “We need to balance his contributions with his long-term health,” the manager said.
Meanwhile, Ronaldo’s contract with Real Madrid expires in 2025, though the club has not yet discussed renewal terms. Reports suggest
