Portuguese football legend Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to a remarkable 23-year career with the national team that included six FIFA World Cup appearances, a European Championship title and numerous international records.
The 41-year-old confirmed his decision on Thursday, November 5, through an emotional video posted on social media, announcing that he would no longer represent Portugal.
Ronaldo retires as the leading goalscorer in men’s international football history, having scored 146 goals in 234 appearances for his country.
In his farewell message, Ronaldo reflected on the honour of wearing Portugal’s iconic No. 7 jersey and representing his nation for more than two decades.
He said the decision was difficult but that the time had come to pass the responsibility to a new generation of Portuguese footballers.
His international career began in August 2003, when he made his debut against Kazakhstan, replacing Portuguese star Luís Figo.
Retirement Follows Disagreement with Portugal Coach
Ronaldo’s retirement comes after a disagreement with Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus over his role in the national team.
His final international appearance was on September 24, when Portugal defeated Wales 1-0 in a UEFA Nations League match.
Ronaldo was subsequently left on the bench for the following fixture, with Jesus indicating that he did not intend to include the veteran forward in the starting lineup for the next match.
Ronaldo then departed the national team’s training camp.
Although Jesus later stated that the forward remained welcome to return, Ronaldo ultimately decided to end his international career.
The Portuguese Football Federation expressed its appreciation for Ronaldo’s contributions, acknowledging his influence on the country’s footballing success and his role in inspiring generations of young players.
The federation also announced plans to organize a special tribute, allowing supporters across Portugal to celebrate his achievements.
Ronaldo Transformed Portugal’s International Football Success
Before Ronaldo joined the national team in 2003, Portugal had never won a major international trophy.
During his career, the country established itself as a consistent contender in European and international competitions.
Portugal secured its first major international title at the 2016 UEFA European Championship, followed by UEFA Nations League victories in 2019 and 2025.
Ronaldo also helped Portugal qualify for six consecutive FIFA World Cups, beginning in 2006.
Before his debut, Portugal had qualified for the World Cup only three times, in 1966, 1986 and 2002.
The national team also qualified for every European Championship during Ronaldo’s international career.
Portugal reached the final of Euro 2004, Ronaldo’s first major international tournament, but lost to Greece on home soil.
At the FIFA World Cup, Ronaldo helped Portugal finish fourth in 2006, while the team also reached the quarterfinals in 2022.
Despite never winning a World Cup, Ronaldo remained a central figure in Portugal’s rise as a major international footballing nation.
Historic Records Define International Career
Ronaldo leaves international football with several records that have established his place in the sport’s history.
He became the first male footballer to score in six different FIFA World Cups and finished the 2026 tournament with 11 career World Cup goals, surpassing Portuguese legend Eusébio’s previous national record of nine.
He also scored for Portugal in 23 consecutive calendar years, from 2004 through 2026.
With 234 appearances, Ronaldo holds the record for the most matches played in men’s international football.
His 146 international goals also represent the highest total in the men’s game.
Ronaldo was the first male player to reach 200 international appearances and holds the European Championship records for both appearances, with 30, and goals, with 14.
His first international goal came during Euro 2004, beginning a scoring career that continued for more than two decades.
Ronaldo to Continue Club Career with Al-Nassr
Although Ronaldo has retired from international football, he is expected to continue playing at club level with Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr.
The Portuguese forward is approaching another historic milestone, having scored 985 career goals and needing 15 more to reach the 1,000-goal mark.
He is expected to conclude his club career at the end of the current season.
His international retirement follows that of longtime rival Lionel Messi, who ended his career with Argentina last month following a farewell appearance.
In his retirement message, Ronaldo acknowledged the victories, defeats and personal sacrifices that defined his journey with Portugal.
He expressed gratitude to supporters for allowing him to fulfil a childhood dream that began in Madeira, where he first developed his passion for football.
Ronaldo said that although the No. 7 jersey would now pass to another player, the pride of representing Portugal would remain with him forever.
His departure marks the end of an era for Portuguese football, closing one of the longest and most decorated international careers in the history of the sport.
