Portuguese football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to a remarkable 23-year career with Portugal in which he established himself as the most capped player and highest-scoring goalscorer in men’s international football.
The 41-year-old forward confirmed his decision on Thursday, November 5, through a farewell video posted on Instagram. He said the time had come to hand over Portugal’s iconic number 7 shirt to the next generation after representing his country since August 2003.
“To the Portuguese people, the day has come for me to hand back the number 7 shirt of our national team,” Ronaldo said in his message.
The announcement ends one of the most successful international careers in football history. Ronaldo leaves Portugal with 234 appearances and 146 goals, holding the world records for both appearances and goals in men’s international football.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s International Career and Records
Ronaldo made his senior international debut against Kazakhstan in August 2003, shortly before his rise to global prominence at Manchester United.
Over the following two decades, he became the central figure in Portugal’s national team, representing the country at six FIFA World Cups and six European Championships.
His international record includes 234 appearances, 146 goals and a position at the top of the all-time men’s international scoring charts. He also became the first footballer to score at six different FIFA World Cup tournaments.
According to FIFA, Ronaldo scored three goals at the 2026 World Cup in North America, taking his total World Cup goals to 11. His international career therefore spanned generations of Portuguese football, with his influence extending well beyond individual statistics.
Euro 2016 and Nations League Titles Define Ronaldo’s Legacy
One of the defining moments of Ronaldo’s international career came at Euro 2016, when he captained Portugal to its first major international championship.
Portugal defeated hosts France 1-0 after extra time in the final, securing a historic European title. Ronaldo was forced to leave the match early because of an injury but continued supporting his teammates from the sidelines.
He subsequently helped Portugal win the inaugural UEFA Nations League in 2019 and secured another Nations League title with the national team in 2025.
These achievements transformed Portugal’s standing in international football and strengthened Ronaldo’s reputation as one of the country’s most influential sporting figures.
Ronaldo also broke former Iran striker Ali Daei’s record of 109 international goals in September 2021. He continued extending his tally before retiring with 146 goals, according to UEFA’s historical international scoring records.
Retirement Follows Reported Disagreement With Portugal Coach
Ronaldo’s retirement announcement comes after reports of tensions between the forward and Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus.
The disagreement became public during the September-October international period after Ronaldo was left out of the starting lineup against Norway.
The forward subsequently left the national team’s training camp, prompting questions about his relationship with the coaching staff and his future with Portugal.
The Portuguese football authorities later imposed disciplinary action over his departure from the camp. Ronaldo also acknowledged that leaving the squad was not the appropriate way to handle the situation.
Although there had been speculation about his return, the announcement on November 5 confirmed that he would bring his international career to a close.
Ronaldo to Continue Playing Club Football
Ronaldo’s international retirement does not signal the end of his professional football career.
The forward is expected to continue playing for Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr, where he remains one of the most prominent figures in the Saudi Pro League.
His departure from Portugal leaves a significant gap in the national team, particularly given his experience, leadership and record-breaking contribution over more than two decades.
However, Portugal’s next generation will now have the opportunity to build its own identity as the country moves beyond the era of its most successful international goalscorer.
Ronaldo leaves behind a record of 234 appearances, 146 goals, a European Championship and two UEFA Nations League titles. His achievements have secured his place among the most influential players in the history of international football.
His farewell also marks the end of a journey that began as an 18-year-old representing Portugal in 2003 and developed into one of the longest and most decorated international careers in the modern game.
