Cristiano Ronaldo Announces Retirement From International Football After 23 Years With Portugal

Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to a 23-year career with Portugal in which he became the country's greatest-ever goalscorer and the most-capped player in men's international football.

The 41-year-old five-time Ballon d'Or winner confirmed his decision through a video message shared on his social media accounts on Thursday, November 5. He will relinquish Portugal's iconic No. 7 shirt after the November international break.

Ronaldo leaves international football with an extraordinary record of 146 goals in 234 appearances, making him the leading goalscorer in men's international football.

'The Day Has Come To Hand Back The Number 7 Shirt'

Addressing the Portuguese people in his retirement announcement, Ronaldo reflected on the responsibility and privilege of representing his country for more than two decades.

"The day has come for me to hand back the number 7 shirt of our national team. I never felt it belonged to me alone," he said.

He added that wearing the shirt for 23 years had been both a privilege and a responsibility, describing his international career as a journey that had changed his life.

Ronaldo admitted that the decision had not been easy, saying it was time to pass the responsibility to the next generation of Portuguese footballers.

Euro 2016 Glory And Two Nations League Titles

Ronaldo made his Portugal debut in August 2003 and went on to become the central figure in one of the most successful periods in the country's football history.

His biggest international achievement came at Euro 2016, when Portugal defeated France 1-0 in the final to secure their first major international trophy.

Portugal subsequently won the UEFA Nations League twice, in 2019 and 2025, adding to Ronaldo's legacy with the national team.

He also represented Portugal at six World Cups, establishing himself as one of the most recognisable figures in the tournament's history.

Ronaldo's International Records

Ronaldo retires with several historic achievements:

• 234 appearances: The most international caps in men's football.
• 146 goals: The highest goal tally in men's international football.
• 23 years: The length of his Portugal career.
• Six World Cups: Represented Portugal across six editions.
• Euro 2016: Led Portugal to their first European Championship title.
• Two Nations League titles: Won in 2019 and 2025.

A New Generation To Take Portugal Forward

Ronaldo's departure marks the end of a defining era for Portuguese football. His leadership, goalscoring record and performances across major tournaments made him the face of the national team for more than two decades.

His announcement also follows reports of tensions with national team coach Jorge Jesus. Ronaldo was reportedly handed a 30-day suspension after leaving the team camp following a disagreement linked to his refusal to play in a Nations League match.

With Ronaldo stepping aside, Portugal will now look towards its younger players to carry forward the team's ambitions in international competitions.

The retirement brings an end to one of the longest and most decorated international careers in modern football.