Football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to a remarkable 23-year career with Portugal. The 41-year-old confirmed his decision on Thursday, November 5, through a video message shared on social media, saying it was time to hand over the national team’s iconic No. 7 shirt to the next generation.
Ronaldo leaves international football as the highest goalscorer and most-capped player in men’s international football history. He made 234 appearances for Portugal and scored 146 goals, setting records that have defined his extraordinary career.
In his farewell message, Ronaldo reflected on the privilege of representing his country for more than two decades. He said the journey, which began in August 2003, had changed his life and that wearing Portugal’s No. 7 shirt had been both an honour and a responsibility.
Describing the decision as difficult, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner said some decisions were made not just with the mind but also with the heart. He thanked Portuguese supporters, his teammates, coaches and everyone who had been part of his international journey.
Ronaldo also spoke about the emotional connection he had developed with fans around the world, saying that making supporters happy and giving them reasons to feel proud of their country had made the journey worthwhile.
His announcement marks the end of one of the most influential careers in international football, although he is not retiring from professional football altogether.
Ronaldo made his senior international debut for Portugal in August 2003, when he was just 18. Over the following two decades, he became the face of Portuguese football and one of the most recognisable sporting personalities in the world.
His 146 international goals place him at the top of the men’s international scoring charts. He also holds the record for the most appearances for a national team, with 234 caps.
One of his most remarkable achievements was scoring in six different FIFA World Cup tournaments. He first found the net at the 2006 World Cup in Germany and continued to score at the 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022 and 2026 editions.
He also became the first men’s footballer to appear in six World Cups, sharing that milestone with long-time rival Lionel Messi.
At the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Ronaldo scored three goals, taking his overall World Cup tally to 11. Portugal’s campaign ended in the round of 16 with a 1-0 defeat to eventual champions Spain.
While Ronaldo collected several individual records during his international career, his greatest achievement with Portugal came at the 2016 European Championship in France.
He captained the national side to its first major international trophy, helping Portugal defeat France 1-0 in the final after extra time. Although Ronaldo was forced to leave the final early because of injury, he remained involved from the sidelines, encouraging his teammates.
The triumph was a defining moment for Portuguese football and established Ronaldo’s place in the country’s sporting history.
He later helped Portugal win the UEFA Nations League in 2019 and again in 2025. These achievements made him central to the country’s most successful period in international football.
Ronaldo’s announcement comes after a period of uncertainty surrounding his future with the national team.
In September, the forward left Portugal’s training camp following disagreements involving national team coach Jorge Jesus and his role in the squad. The development attracted considerable attention, particularly because Ronaldo had been a regular presence in the national team for years.
The dispute followed his absence from the starting line-up in Portugal’s Nations League match against Norway. Ronaldo subsequently apologised to his teammates and indicated that he remained available for international selection.
The Portuguese Football Federation imposed a 30-day suspension and a fine following the incident. However, the possibility of his return remained open.
His last appearance for Portugal came on September 24, when the team defeated Wales 1-0 in a Nations League match. His retirement announcement came a day before the coach was due to announce the squad for the upcoming international fixtures.
Jesus said he had spoken to Ronaldo about his international future and had asked him to continue representing Portugal. However, he respected the player’s decision to step away.
Although his international career has ended, Ronaldo will continue playing club football for Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr.
The Portuguese forward joined the club in January 2023 after leaving Manchester United. His move to Saudi Arabia marked a significant moment for the Saudi Pro League, attracting global attention and encouraging other prominent players to consider the competition.
Ronaldo is also pursuing another major personal milestone, reaching 1,000 career goals. He had scored 985 goals across club and international football as of November 5, 2026.
His retirement from Portugal therefore does not signal the end of his playing career. He is expected to continue competing at club level while working towards the landmark scoring achievement.
The Portuguese Football Federation expressed gratitude for Ronaldo’s contribution, describing him as an inspiring leader and a symbol of the national team. It also indicated that a tribute would be organised to celebrate his achievements.
For Portugal, Ronaldo’s departure leaves a significant gap in leadership and experience. For football supporters worldwide, it marks the closing of a remarkable international chapter for a player whose goals, records and performances shaped an entire generation of the sport.
