London: Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his decision to retire from international football, bringing the curtain down on a remarkable 23-year career with Portugal that established him as one of the greatest players in the history of the game.
The 41-year-old forward made the announcement through a social media video on Thursday, confirming that he would no longer wear Portugal’s iconic number 7 jersey.
Describing the decision as an emotional one, Ronaldo admitted that walking away from international football was not easy after spending more than two decades representing his country.
“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 farewell message.
Reflecting on his journey with Portugal, he thanked supporters for standing behind him throughout his career and expressed hope that his performances had given people moments of happiness and national pride.
“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,” he added.
Ronaldo also acknowledged the contribution of his family, teammates, coaches, support staff and the Portuguese people, describing Portugal as a country that would always remain close to his heart.
“Portugal will always be a part of me,” he wrote alongside the announcement video.
An unprecedented international legacy
Ronaldo’s international career stands among the most extraordinary achievements in football history. He made 234 appearances for Portugal, scoring 146 goals, making him the leading men’s international appearance-maker and highest goalscorer in international football.
His greatest achievement with the national team came at Euro 2016, when he captained Portugal to their first-ever European Championship title. Despite being forced off through injury during the final against France, Ronaldo remained actively involved in encouraging his teammates as Portugal secured a historic 1-0 victory.
He subsequently helped Portugal win the UEFA Nations League in 2019 and again in 2025, adding further silverware to an already remarkable international record.
Over 23 years, Ronaldo became the face of Portuguese football, inspiring generations of players and supporters while consistently delivering on the biggest international stages.
Tensions with coach preceded farewell
Ronaldo’s international departure comes after a reported disagreement with Portugal coach Jorge Jesus over his role in the team.
Following his appearance in Portugal’s 1-0 Nations League victory over Wales on September 24, Ronaldo was left on the bench for the subsequent match.
Jesus also indicated that he did not intend to restore the veteran forward to the starting line-up for the next fixture. Ronaldo subsequently left the national team’s training camp.
The coach later clarified that Ronaldo remained welcome to return, leaving the decision in the player’s hands.
His retirement announcement now brings an end to a chapter that began more than two decades ago and transformed him into one of the most influential figures in Portuguese sporting history.
Portuguese federation pays tribute
The Portuguese Football Federation responded to Ronaldo’s announcement with an emotional statement, expressing its gratitude and admiration for everything he had contributed to the national team.
The federation credited the former captain with raising Portugal’s international profile and inspiring countless young footballers to pursue their dreams.
It also described him as the greatest player of all time for many Portuguese supporters.
The federation confirmed its intention to organise a special tribute, allowing supporters and the country to celebrate a player whose contribution to Portuguese football has been immense.
Club football and the 1,000-goal milestone remain
Although his international career is over, Ronaldo is expected to continue playing at club level with Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr.
The Portuguese superstar remains focused on reaching another historic milestone: scoring 1,000 official career goals.
At the time of the announcement, he had registered 985 goals across his senior career, leaving him just 15 short of the remarkable landmark.
His international retirement also draws comparisons with longtime rival Lionel Messi, who recently received a much-anticipated farewell with Argentina.
While Messi has already brought his international journey to a close, Ronaldo’s departure marks the end of an era for Portugal.
For more than 20 years, the number 7 represented ambition, goals, records and unforgettable moments for Portuguese football. Now, as Ronaldo prepares to move towards the final chapter of his playing career, his international legacy remains firmly established in football history.
