Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to a remarkable 23-year career with Portugal during which he became the country’s most decorated player and the all-time leading international goalscorer.
The 41-year-old forward said on Thursday that he would “hand back the number 7 shirt” after the November international break.
Ronaldo captained Portugal to their first major international trophy at Euro 2016 and later helped the team win the Nations League titles in 2019 and 2025.
“It was not an easy decision, because there are decisions that are not made only with the head. They are also made with the heart,” he said.
“If I ever made you happy, if one of my goals ever made you hug someone, forget a worry or feel proud of our country, then it was all worth it.”
The Al-Nassr forward thanked his family, the Portuguese people and the teammates, coaches and staff with whom he had worked throughout his international career.
“Portugal will always be a part of me,” he wrote in the caption accompanying his announcement video.
Ronaldo made 234 appearances for Portugal and scored 146 goals, setting all-time records for international appearances and goals.
His final appearance at a major international tournament came at the 2026 World Cup, where he sought to win the only major trophy missing from his collection. Portugal’s campaign ended in the last 16 with a 1-0 defeat to eventual champions and Iberian rivals Spain.
Ronaldo also joined Argentina’s Lionel Messi as the only players to have featured in six editions of the global tournament, adding another record to an extraordinary international career.
Ronaldo’s apology
Ronaldo’s announcement follows a controversy involving his departure from Portugal’s national team camp at the end of September, ahead of a Nations League match against Denmark. He left without permission and did not return, later citing broken promises by manager Jorge Jesus as the reason.
Jesus denied having made any agreement with the forward but left the door open for his return following Portugal’s 2-1 victory.
Ronaldo subsequently apologised and declared himself available for international selection. The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF), however, suspended him for 30 days and imposed a fine of €255 ($287.16).
Portugal, who lead Nations League Group A4, are scheduled to host second-placed Denmark in Braga on November 14 before travelling to face Wales in their final two group fixtures. These matches had been expected to provide Ronaldo with further opportunities to add to his international tally.
Following his retirement announcement, the FPF issued a statement expressing its profound and lasting gratitude for his services.
“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.
Ronaldo leaves the international stage as Portugal’s most successful player in terms of individual and team honours, having also become a global cultural ambassador for his country.
“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.
