Cristiano Ronaldo Retires From International Football After Historic 23-Year Portugal Career

Portuguese football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to an extraordinary 23-year career with the national team during which he established himself as the highest goalscorer and most-capped player in men’s international football history.

The 41-year-old forward confirmed his decision on Thursday, November 5, 2026, through an emotional video message shared on his social media accounts, announcing that he would relinquish Portugal’s iconic number seven jersey following the November international break.

Ronaldo, who made his senior international debut in August 2003, finished his career with 234 appearances and 146 goals for Portugal, setting records for both appearances and goals in men’s international football.

Announcing his departure, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner described representing Portugal as a privilege and responsibility he had carried throughout his career. He said the time had come to hand over the national team’s number seven shirt to future generations, acknowledging that the decision was not an easy one.

“Today, the time has come to pass it on to the future. It was not an easy decision,” Ronaldo said in his farewell message, while expressing gratitude to the Portuguese people for their support throughout his international journey.

One of the defining moments of Ronaldo’s international career came at the 2016 UEFA European Championship in France, where he captained Portugal to its first-ever continental title. Despite sustaining an injury during the final against France, he remained actively involved in supporting his teammates as Portugal secured a 1-0 victory after extra time.

He subsequently helped Portugal win the inaugural UEFA Nations League in 2019, before captaining the country to another triumph in the competition in 2025. The achievements established him as a central figure in Portugal’s emergence as a major force in international football.

Ronaldo also made history through his remarkable participation in six FIFA World Cup tournaments, appearing at the 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022 and 2026 editions. He became the first male footballer to score at six different World Cup tournaments, further extending his list of international records.

His final appearance for Portugal came during the September 2026 international break, when he featured against Wales in a UEFA Nations League encounter. His retirement announcement followed a disagreement with national team coach Jorge Jesus during the same international window, after which Ronaldo left the team’s training camp. The coach subsequently indicated that the forward could return to the squad.

The Portuguese Football Federation has expressed profound gratitude for Ronaldo’s contributions, acknowledging his influence on the national team and the inspiration he provided to generations of footballers and supporters. The federation also indicated its intention to organise a special tribute in recognition of his service to the country. Although his international career has ended, Ronaldo is expected to continue playing at club level with Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr, as he pursues the milestone of 1,000 career goals. His departure from the national team closes a remarkable chapter in football history, leaving behind an unprecedented international goalscoring record and two decades of service to Portuguese football.