Portuguese football great Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football after a stellar 23-year stint with the national side.
The 41-year-old made the statement in a social media video on Thursday, November 5, saying he was ready to give up Portugal’s famous number seven shirt after the November international break.
“Today is the day to give back the jersey of our national team,” Ronaldo remarked, reflecting on the privilege of serving Portugal for more than two decades.
He said it was a difficult decision, one he had taken with his intellect and his emotions. He also praised the Portuguese fans, his family, his teammates, his coaches and the staff who had worked alongside him during his international career.
“Portugal will always be with me,” he continued.
Ronaldo has retired as the most capped and highest-scoring player in men’s international football, with 146 goals in 234 games for Portugal. His international career began in August 2003 and he became one of the most prominent figures in the history of the country’s football.
A defining highlight of his career came at the 2016 European Championship in France, when he captained Portugal to their first major international trophy. He was pulled off injured in the final against France but stayed to spur on his team-mates from the touchline as Portugal won 1-0 after extra-time.
He also helped Portugal win the UEFA Nations League in 2019 and 2025, adding to a list of accomplishments that cemented his status among the country’s all-time football greats.
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Ronaldo’s international career included six FIFA World Cup tournaments, from Germany 2006 to the 2026 event. He is also the record holder for most goals in men’s international football, putting him among the most productive players in the history of the game.
After a tense spell with the coach of the Portuguese national team, Jorge Jesus, he announced his retirement. Ronaldo reportedly departed the national team camp in September after realising he would not play in a Nations League match and was subsequently suspended. But his announcement Thursday did not cite the argument as the cause for his departure.
Ronaldo is taking a step back from international football but is set to remain at his club side Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia.
His retirement leaves Portugal without its long-serving captain and most prolific international scorer as the national team prepares to embark on a new chapter, with younger players expected to have more responsibilities.
23 years, 234 appearances and 146 goals – the close of one of the most recognisable international careers in sport.
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