Portuguese football legend Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to his illustrious 23-year career with the Portugal national team.
The 41-year-old forward’s decision marks the end of an era for Portuguese football, having represented his country in major international competitions and established himself as one of the most prolific players in the history of the game.
Ronaldo made his senior international debut for Portugal in August 2003 and went on to become the country’s most-capped player and all-time leading goalscorer.
In a farewell message shared on social media on Thursday, Ronaldo said it was time to hand over Portugal’s iconic No. 7 shirt to the next generation, describing the decision as difficult and emotional.
“The day has come for me to hand back the No. 7 shirt of our national team. I never felt it belonged to me alone, but for 23 years I had the privilege and responsibility of wearing it, defending it and carrying it with me into stadiums around the world,” he said.
He added that his journey with the national team, which began in August 2003, had changed his life forever. Ronaldo also thanked his family, teammates, coaches, support staff and Portuguese supporters for their contributions throughout his international career.
One of the defining moments of Ronaldo’s international career came in 2016 when he captained Portugal to its first-ever European Championship title after defeating France 1-0 in the final. Although he was forced off through injury during the match, he continued encouraging his teammates from the touchline as Portugal secured the trophy.
He also helped Portugal win the UEFA Nations League in 2019 and 2025, further strengthening his legacy as one of the country’s most successful footballers. Reuters +1
Ronaldo’s international retirement comes after a record-breaking career in which he made 234 appearances and scored 146 goals for Portugal. Both achievements remain records in men’s international football, making him the most-capped male international footballer and the highest goalscorer at national-team level.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has also represented several major European clubs, including Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus, before moving to Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr.
Despite ending his international career, Ronaldo’s retirement does not mark the end of his professional football journey, as he continues his club career with Al-Nassr.
His departure from the Portugal national team brings to a close a remarkable chapter spanning more than two decades, during which he became a defining figure in Portuguese football and one of the most celebrated players in the history of the sport.
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