Portuguese football legend Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to an extraordinary 23-year journey with the national team.
The 41-year-old made the announcement on Thursday, November 5, through a video message on social media, explaining that the time had come to hand over Portugal’s iconic number seven shirt to the next generation.
Ronaldo made his international debut in August 2003 and leaves as Portugal’s most capped player, with 234 appearances and a record 146 goals.
During his international career, he captained Portugal to its first major international trophy at the Euro 2016 and later helped the country secure UEFA Nations League titles in 2019 and 2025.
He also became the first player to score at six different FIFA World Cup tournaments, featuring at every edition between 2006 and 2026.
His final World Cup appearance came earlier this year, when eventual champions Spain eliminated Portugal in the round of 16.
Ronaldo’s international retirement will not end his playing career with the forward expected to continue representing Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr.
His departure closes a remarkable chapter in Portuguese football, with a legacy built on goals, trophies, records and extraordinary longevity.
For a generation of supporters, Ronaldo’s name will remain inseparable from Portugal’s rise to international football prominence.
