Cristiano Ronaldo announces retirement from Portugal national team

Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his intention to retire from the Portuguese national football team, ending an international career that has spanned more than two decades.

The Announcement

The 41-year-old forward confirmed his decision through a video message shared on his social media accounts. In the video, Ronaldo stated, “To the Portuguese people, the day has come for me to hand back the No 7 shirt of our national team.” He added, “I never felt it belonged to me alone but for 23 years I had the privilege and the responsibility of wearing it, defending it and carrying it with me into stadiums all around the world.”

Ronaldo indicated that he will “hand back the No 7 shirt” following the upcoming November international break. Reflecting on his journey, which began in August 2003, he said, “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. A journey that began in August 2003 and changed my life forever has come to an end.”

Career Achievements and Records

During his tenure with the Portuguese national team, Ronaldo achieved several significant milestones:

• Appearances and Goals: Ronaldo made 234 appearances and scored 146 goals, holding the all-time record for men’s international appearances and international goals.
• Major Titles: He led Portugal to a Euro 2016 title and contributed to two UEFA Nations League crowns, in 2019 and 2025.
• World Cup History: He represented his country in six World Cups and is the only player to score in six different editions of the tournament.

Recent Context

The announcement follows a period of reported tension between Ronaldo and the national team. According to reports, Ronaldo had a falling out with head coach Jorge Jesus after he refused to play in a Nations League match and left the team camp. Following this incident, the Portuguese captain was handed a 30-day suspension for leaving the camp, which he accepted.

In a previous statement regarding the situation, Ronaldo had insisted he was not retiring and remained available for selection. Additionally, he had previously admitted to considering international retirement after the 2026 World Cup, having reportedly prepared a farewell letter before being persuaded to reconsider by Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença.

In his farewell message, Ronaldo noted that his experience with the national team involved more than just statistics. “When I look back at everything I experienced with the national team, I don’t just see matches, goals, records or trophies. I see people, Portuguese people living abroad, who, for 90 minutes, felt a little closer to home,” Ronaldo said.

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Sources

• theguardian.com: Cristiano Ronaldo calls time on Portugal career after 234 caps and 146 goals | Cristiano Ronaldo | The Guardian
• wsaz.com: Portugal great Cristiano Ronaldo announces retirement from international soccer
• hindustantimes.com: Cristiano Ronaldo announces retirement from international football | Football News
• thenationalnews.com: Cristiano Ronaldo calls time on Portugal career and retires from international football | The National
• gulfnews.com: Cristiano Ronaldo Retires from Portugal National Team After Legendary Career
• economictimes.indiatimes.com: Cristiano Ronaldo retires from international football, ending Portugal's CR7 & Siuuu era - The Economic Times

This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.