Lisbon, November 5,2026: Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football, bringing the curtain down on one of the most illustrious careers in the history of the game.
The 41-year-old Portugal captain announced on Thursday that he would “hand back the number 7 shirt” after the November international break.
Ronaldo, who led Portugal to their first major international trophy at Euro 2016, also helped the national team win the UEFA Nations League in 2019 and 2025.
“It was not an easy decision, because there are decisions that are not made only with the head. They are also made with the heart,” Ronaldo said in his announcement.
“If I ever made you happy, if one of my goals ever made you hug someone, forget a worry or feel proud of our country, then it was all worth it.”
The Al-Nassr forward thanked his family, the Portuguese people and the teammates, coaches and staff who had been part of his 23-year international career.
“Portugal will always be a part of me,” he wrote in the caption accompanying his announcement video.
Ronaldo made 234 appearances for Portugal and scored 146 goals, holding the all-time records for international appearances and goals in men’s football.
His final international tournament appearance came at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where he sought to win the one major trophy that had eluded him throughout his career.
Portugal exited the tournament in the last 16 after a 1-0 defeat against eventual champions and Iberian rivals Spain.
Ronaldo also joined Argentina’s Lionel Messi as the only players to feature in six editions of the FIFA World Cup, adding another milestone to his remarkable international career.
Ronaldo’s retirement announcement follows a period of controversy surrounding his departure from the Portugal camp at the end of September.
The forward left ahead of the team’s Nations League match against Denmark without permission and did not return. He later cited broken promises by manager Jorge Jesus as the reason for his departure.
Jesus denied making any agreement with Ronaldo but left the door open for his return following Portugal’s 2-1 victory.
After Ronaldo apologised and confirmed his availability for international selection, the Portuguese Football Federation suspended him for 30 days and fined him €255.
Portugal, who lead Nations League Group A4, are scheduled to host second-placed Denmark on November 14 in Braga before visiting Wales for their final group fixtures.
The matches will provide Ronaldo with his final opportunities to add to his international statistics.
The Portuguese Football Federation expressed its profound and eternal gratitude for Ronaldo’s services following his retirement announcement.
“More than an exceptional athlete, our captain was an inspiring leader, an example of dedication and the ultimate symbol of the soul of our National Team,” the federation said in a statement.
Ronaldo will leave the international stage as Portugal’s most successful player in terms of individual and team honours, having also become a cultural reference point for the country around the world.
Reflecting on his career, Ronaldo said representing Portugal had been the greatest achievement of his life.
“I spent my life working to become the best player in the world. Today I realise that my greatest victory was having deserved the honour of representing the best country in the world,” he said.
