Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to a remarkable 23-year career with Portugal that established him as the men’s all-time leading international goalscorer and appearance maker.
The 41-year-old forward made the announcement on Thursday, November 5, through a statement shared on social media, confirming that he would bring his Portugal career to a close after the November international break.
Ronaldo, who made his senior debut for Portugal in August 2003, leaves the national team with 234 appearances and 146 goals, both men’s international records.
Announcing his decision, the Al-Nassr forward described the moment as an emotional one, saying it was time to pass on Portugal’s iconic No. 7 shirt to the next generation.
“The day has come back for me to hand back the number 7 shirt of our national team. I never felt it belonged to me alone. But for 23 years I had the privilege and the responsibility of wearing it, defending it, and carrying it with me into stadiums all around the world,” he said.
“It was not an easy decision. Because some decisions are not made with the mind alone. They are also made with the heart.”
Ronaldo reflected on his journey with the national team, highlighting the relationships, sacrifices and memories that defined his time representing his country.
He also expressed gratitude to his teammates, coaches, technical staff, family and Portuguese supporters for their contributions throughout his international career.
“Portugal will always need young people who dare to dream. Players who never give up. New generations who believe it is possible to go where no one has gone before,” he added.
Ronaldo’s international career produced several historic milestones, including captaining Portugal to their first major international trophy at the 2016 European Championship.
Despite sustaining an injury during the final against France, he remained actively involved from the touchline as Portugal secured a 1-0 victory after extra time.
He subsequently led the country to UEFA Nations League triumphs in 2019 and 2025, further cementing his place in Portuguese football history.
His individual achievements were equally remarkable, with the five-time Ballon d’Or winner becoming the first male footballer to score at six different editions of the FIFA World Cup.
He also holds the record for most goals at the European Championship, with 14, and has scored 11 times at the World Cup.
At the 2026 World Cup, Ronaldo scored three goals as Portugal reached the round of 16 before suffering a 1-0 defeat to eventual champions Spain. He had previously indicated that the tournament would be his final appearance at the global competition.
His retirement announcement comes after a turbulent period with the national team following his early departure from Portugal’s camp ahead of a Nations League fixture. The incident resulted in a 30-day suspension and a €255 fine from the Portuguese Football Federation after he apologised to his teammates.
However, the federation has since paid tribute to the departing captain, describing him as an exceptional athlete and an influential figure in the country’s football history.
“More than an exceptional athlete, our captain was an inspiring leader, an example of dedication and the ultimate symbol of the soul of our National Team,” the federation said in a statement.
Ronaldo’s teammate Bruno Fernandes also acknowledged his contribution, describing the opportunity to share the national team dressing room with his childhood idol as a privilege.
It remains the end of an era for Portuguese football, with Ronaldo departing as the country’s most decorated player and one of the most influential figures in the history of the international game.
Reflecting on what representing Portugal meant to him, the forward said his greatest achievement extended beyond his individual records and accomplishments.
“I spent my life working to become the best player in the world. Today I realise that my greatest victory was having deserved the honour of representing the best country in the world,” he said.
