Lisbon: Football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to a 23-year career with the Portugal national team. The 41-year-old made the announcement on Thursday, November 5, through a video message shared on Instagram.
Ronaldo said the time had come for him to hand back Portugal’s iconic No. 7 shirt, which he wore throughout his international career.
“To the Portuguese people, the day has come for me to hand back the number seven shirt of our national team,” Ronaldo said.
Reflecting on his journey, he added that the shirt never belonged to him alone, but that he had the privilege and responsibility of wearing and defending it for 23 years.
Cristiano Ronaldo Retires With 146 International Goals
Ronaldo ends his Portugal career with 234 international appearances and 146 goals, making him the highest-capped player and leading goalscorer in men’s international football.
His journey with Portugal began in August 2003. Over more than two decades, he became the face of the national team and played a central role in some of its biggest achievements.
The forward captained Portugal to their first major international trophy at Euro 2016. He also helped the team win the inaugural UEFA Nations League in 2019.
His international career spanned six World Cup appearances, alongside multiple European Championship campaigns.
Why Is Ronaldo Retiring From International Football?
The announcement comes after reports of tensions between Ronaldo and Portugal coach Jorge Jesus over the forward’s role in the team. Reports said Ronaldo left the national team’s camp after being told he would not feature in a Nations League match.
However, in his retirement message, Ronaldo focused on his long association with Portugal and the significance of representing his country for more than two decades.
His decision marks the end of one of the longest and most prolific international careers in football.
Is Cristiano Ronaldo Retiring From Club Football Too?
Ronaldo’s announcement concerns only international football. It does not mean he is retiring from professional football altogether.
The Portuguese star continues to play for Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr. He had previously suggested that the 2026-27 season could be his final campaign as a professional footballer, telling Vogue that it was “probably my last year of football”.
He also said he had already planned his future beyond the sport, including travelling more, spending time with his family and enjoying activities such as padel.
For now, his Portugal chapter has ended, but his club career remains a separate matter.
