Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an extraordinary 23-year career with Portugal to an end.
The 41-year-old forward confirmed his decision on Thursday, November 5, 2026, through a farewell video and statement shared on social media.
Ronaldo leaves the national team as the men’s all-time leading international goalscorer, having scored 146 goals in 234 appearances for Portugal. He also holds the record for the most international appearances by a male footballer.
In his announcement, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner said he was ready to hand over the famous No. 7 shirt that became synonymous with his name during more than two decades of representing his country.
“To the Portuguese people, the day has come for me to hand back the No. 7 shirt of our national team,” Ronaldo said.
He reflected on the responsibility that came with wearing the shirt, explaining that he had never considered it his possession alone.
“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,” he added.
Ronaldo admitted that the decision had not come easily, describing it as one that required more than a practical consideration.
“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.”
He also looked back at the journey that began with his senior international debut in August 2003, when he was still a teenager.
“A journey that began in August 2003 and changed my life forever has come to an end,” he said.
Ronaldo made his senior debut for Portugal against Kazakhstan on August 20, 2003. He went on to become the country’s most decorated and influential footballer, leading the national team through six World Cups and six European Championship tournaments.
His international career included two major trophy successes that transformed Portugal’s standing in international football.
In 2016, Ronaldo captained Portugal to its first European Championship title after the team defeated France 1-0 in the final. Although an injury forced him off during the first half, he remained involved from the sidelines as his teammates secured the historic victory.
Portugal later added the UEFA Nations League trophy in 2019, defeating the Netherlands 1-0 in the final. The country won the competition again in 2025, giving Ronaldo another major international honour.
He also became the first male footballer to score at six different editions of the FIFA World Cup, having featured in the 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022 and 2026 tournaments.
Portugal’s 2026 World Cup campaign ended in the round of 16, where eventual champions Spain eliminated the team.
Despite the challenges and disappointments along the way, Ronaldo’s individual record remained unmatched. His 146 international goals put him ahead of every other male player in the history of the game.
Ronaldo’s announcement follows a difficult period with Portugal’s national team and a reported disagreement with head coach Jorge Jesus.
During the previous international window, Jesus left the veteran forward on the bench for Portugal’s match against Norway. Ronaldo subsequently left the national team camp, triggering disciplinary action from the Portuguese Football Federation.
The federation handed him a 30-day suspension and a fine of €255 following the incident. Ronaldo later apologised to his teammates and supporters while maintaining that he remained available for national team selection.
His final confirmed appearance for Portugal came on September 24, 2026, when the team defeated Wales 1-0 in the Nations League.
The dispute added uncertainty to Ronaldo’s international future, particularly as Portugal prepared for its next round of fixtures. His retirement announcement now brings that chapter to a close.
Although he has ended his international career, Ronaldo has not announced his retirement from professional football.
The forward continues to play for Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr, where he remains focused on his club commitments and his pursuit of 1,000 career goals.
Ronaldo has scored 985 career goals across club and international football at the time of his announcement.
The Portuguese Football Federation responded to the announcement by expressing “deep gratitude and immense admiration” for his contribution to the national team.
The federation described Ronaldo as an inspirational figure who had raised Portugal’s profile and encouraged generations of young footballers. It also announced plans to organise a special tribute so supporters can celebrate his contribution.
Ronaldo thanked the people who supported him throughout his journey.
“Thank you for these 23 years. Thank you for believing in me. Portugal will always be in me. Forever,” he said.
