Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to a remarkable 23-year career with Portugal during which he became the most capped male international player and the highest scorer in the history of the men’s game.
The 41-year-old forward made the announcement on Thursday, November 5, through an emotional video shared on his Instagram account, saying he was ready to hand over the famous number seven shirt he had worn for more than two decades.
Ronaldo leaves the national team with 234 appearances and 146 goals, records that place him at the top of the men’s international football rankings in both categories.
In his farewell message, the Al-Nassr forward reflected on the responsibility of representing his country and the significance of wearing Portugal’s colours throughout his career.
“To the Portuguese people, the day has come for me to hand back the number seven shirt of our national team. I never felt it belonged to me alone, but for 23 years I had the privilege and responsibility of wearing it, defending it and carrying it with me into stadiums all around the world,” Ronaldo said.
He described the decision as an emotional one, reflecting on a journey that began when he made his senior international debut in August 2003.
“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,” he added.
Ronaldo’s international career saw him become the face of Portuguese football, leading the national team to its first major international trophy at the 2016 European Championship in France.
He later captained Portugal to two UEFA Nations League titles, winning the competition in 2019 and again in 2025. His career also included appearances at six World Cups and six European Championships, making him one of the most decorated players in international football.
Despite his achievements, the World Cup remained the major international trophy that eluded him. Portugal’s campaign at the 2026 tournament in North America ended in the round of 16 after a 1-0 defeat to eventual champions Spain.
Ronaldo also reflected on the people who had supported him throughout his time with the national team, saying his memories extended beyond goals, trophies and individual records.
“When I look back at everything I experienced with the national team, I do not just see matches, goals, records or trophies. I see people. I see Portuguese people living abroad who, for 90 minutes, felt a little closer to home. I see millions of Portuguese people I have never met but who became part of my life,” he said.
The announcement comes after a difficult period involving the Portugal national team and head coach Jorge Jesus.
Ronaldo left the national team camp in September ahead of a Nations League match against Denmark, following a dispute over his playing time. He had been left on the bench throughout Portugal’s 2-1 victory over Norway and later expressed frustration over what he described as broken promises by the coach.
Jesus denied making an agreement to give Ronaldo playing time but said he wanted the forward to remain part of the team. Ronaldo subsequently apologised for leaving the camp and acknowledged that his decision had not been the right way to handle the situation.
The Portuguese Football Federation later handed him a 30-day suspension and a €255 fine. His retirement announcement came shortly before Portugal’s next international fixtures, ending speculation over whether he would return to the national team.
However, Ronaldo’s decision does not mark the end of his professional football career. He is expected to continue playing for Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr, where he remains active at club level.
The Portuguese Football Federation has also paid tribute to the forward, describing him as an inspirational leader and a symbol of the national team. The federation said it wanted to organise an appropriate ceremony to celebrate his contribution to the country.
As he brought his international career to a close, Ronaldo thanked his teammates, coaches, family and supporters for accompanying him throughout the journey.
“Today, my journey on the pitch with the national team comes to an end. I leave with my head held high, proud of the path I have taken and knowing that I gave everything I had for Portugal. But I will never stop being one of you,” he said.
He ended his message by reaffirming his connection to the country he represented for more than two decades.
“Thank you for these 23 years. Thank you for believing in me. Thank you for allowing me to live a dream that began when I was just a little boy in Madeira running after a football. The number seven shirt shall remain. The pride of having worn it will be mine forever. Portugal will always be a part of me. Farewell, until we meet again.”