Portuguese football star Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to a record-breaking 23-year career with the national team.
The 41-year-old made the announcement on Thursday, November 5, 2026, in a video message shared on social media, saying the time had come to hand back Portugal’s iconic number seven shirt.
“To the Portuguese people, 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 all around the world,” Ronaldo said.
Ronaldo made 234 appearances for Portugal and scored 146 goals, making him the most-capped player and highest scorer in men’s international football.
His international career began in August 2003 and spanned six FIFA World Cup tournaments and six European Championships.
He captained Portugal to its first European Championship title in 2016, when they defeated France 1-0 in the final. He also led the team to UEFA Nations League titles in 2019 and 2025.
At the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, Ronaldo became the first player to score at six different editions of the tournament. He scored three goals during the competition, taking his World Cup tally to 11.
In announcing his departure, Ronaldo said his decision was difficult because of the emotional connection he had developed with the national team and Portuguese supporters over more than two decades.
“Today the time has come to pass it on to the future. It was not an easy decision, because some decisions are not made with the mind alone – they are also made with the heart,” he said.
He thanked his teammates, coaches, technical staff, family and supporters, saying representing Portugal had been the greatest honour of his career.
“Goals fade. Trophies end up in museums. Records are eventually broken. But there is something time can never erase: the place we hold in people’s hearts,” he said.
Ronaldo’s retirement comes following a disagreement with Portugal coach Jorge Jesus after the forward was left out of the starting line-up during the September international break. He subsequently left the national team camp, an incident that resulted in a 30-day suspension and a fine.
Jesus later said he had asked Ronaldo to remain with the national team but respected his decision to retire.
The Portuguese Football Federation expressed gratitude for Ronaldo’s contribution, describing him as an inspiring leader who had raised the country’s profile and influenced generations of footballers. The federation also indicated plans to organise a tribute in his honour.
Ronaldo, who currently plays for Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr, is expected to continue his club career despite ending his international duties.
He leaves Portugal as one of the most decorated players in the country’s football history, having transformed the national team’s fortunes and established international records that will be difficult to surpass.
