Cristiano Ronaldo Announces Retirement from International Football After 23-Year Portugal Career

Portuguese football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football, bringing the curtain down on an illustrious 23-year career with Portugal during which he established himself as the most prolific goalscorer and most-capped male international player in football history.

The 41-year-old forward confirmed his decision on Thursday through an emotional video message posted on Instagram, in which he read a farewell letter addressed to Portuguese supporters.

“The day has come for me to hand back the number 7 shirt of our national team,” Ronaldo said, reflecting on the honour and responsibility of representing his country for more than two decades.

Ronaldo ends his international career with a remarkable record of 234 appearances and 146 goals, both all-time records in men's international football. Since making his senior debut for Portugal in August 2003, he represented his country in 12 major international tournaments, including six FIFA World Cups and six UEFA European Championships.

The defining moment of his international career came in 2016, when he captained Portugal to their first-ever European Championship title. He subsequently helped the national side secure two UEFA Nations League trophies, in 2019 and 2025.

His final international appearance came on September 24, 2026, when Portugal defeated Wales 1-0 in a Nations League encounter.

The retirement announcement follows tensions between Ronaldo and Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus during the previous international window. Ronaldo reportedly left the national team camp after being named among the substitutes and subsequently served a 30-day suspension imposed by the Portuguese Football Federation.

In his farewell message, Ronaldo described the decision as deeply emotional, saying it had not been easy because some decisions were made not only with the mind but also with the heart.

He expressed gratitude to the Portuguese people, his family, teammates, coaches and support staff for their contribution throughout his international journey.

“Portugal will always be in me,” he said, bringing his emotional message to a close.

Ronaldo's retirement from international football does not signal the end of his professional playing career. He will continue representing Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr, where he remains focused on reaching the extraordinary milestone of 1,000 career goals. He has currently scored 985 goals across his professional career.

The Portuguese Football Federation has announced plans to organise a special tribute in recognition of Ronaldo's extraordinary contribution to the national team.

His departure marks the end of a remarkable era in Portuguese football. From his emergence as a young international in 2003 to becoming the country's most decorated football icon, Ronaldo leaves behind an unprecedented legacy that has transformed Portuguese football and secured his place among the greatest players in the history of the sport.