According to a report by Daily Post on Friday, November 6, 2026, former Chelsea and Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has reacted to the possibility of Cristiano Ronaldo becoming a football manager after retiring from professional football, saying it is too early to determine whether the Portuguese forward will pursue a coaching career.

Mourinho made the remarks while speaking to journalists at Valdebebas on Friday, a day after Ronaldo announced his decision to end his international career following 23 years of representing Portugal.

The Real Madrid manager said Ronaldo’s decision should be respected, explaining that the 41-year-old still had personal and professional ambitions to accomplish with his Saudi Arabian club, Al-Nassr.

However, Mourinho admitted that he would have preferred the legendary forward to receive a more fitting farewell as a footballer.

Speaking about Ronaldo’s announcement, Mourinho said, “His decision must be respected, and I respect it. He hasn’t finished his career; those who know him know he still has goals for his career, and the only thing I would like is for his retirement as a player to be different from yesterday’s.”

When asked whether he could imagine Ronaldo taking up a managerial position after hanging up his boots, Mourinho declined to make any definite prediction, insisting that the possibility remained uncertain.

“As for whether I see him as a coach, I don’t know what to say. It’s still too early,” he added.

Ronaldo has previously expressed reservations about becoming a football manager, maintaining that coaching is not part of his career plans after retirement.

Following the extension of his contract with Al-Nassr, the Portugal captain ruled out the possibility of managing a football team, although he acknowledged that his position could change in the future.

Speaking about the prospect, Ronaldo said, “Being a coach? Right now, I can say I will never be one, although ‘never’ is a strong word. The reality is that it’s not in my plans in five, 10, or even 20 years.”

The 41-year-old announced his international retirement on Thursday after making 234 appearances for Portugal and scoring a record 146 goals for the national team.

During his international career, Ronaldo helped Portugal win the 2016 European Championship and three UEFA Nations League titles, establishing himself as one of the country’s most successful footballers.

His announcement also came amid reports of tensions involving Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus. Ronaldo was reportedly accused of leaving the national team camp without permission after being excluded from a Nations League fixture, leading to a 30-day suspension imposed by the Portuguese Football Federation.