Cristiano Ronaldo Retires From International Football After 23 Years With Portugal
By Benjamin GBOR
Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to a 23-year career with Portugal.
The 41-year-old made the announcement on Thursday through an Instagram video in which he read a farewell message to supporters.
“The day has come for me to hand back the number 7 shirt of our national team,” Ronaldo said, reflecting on the shirt he wore throughout his international career.
“I never thought it belonged to me alone. But for 23 years, I had the privilege and the responsibility of wearing it.”
Ronaldo leaves the national team as its most-capped player and leading goalscorer, having made 234 appearances and scored 146 goals.
His greatest achievement with Portugal came in 2016 when he helped the country win its first European Championship. He was also part of the team that secured the UEFA Nations League title in 2019 and 2025.
However, the final years of his international career were marked by growing questions about his performances and continued involvement in the starting line-up as he advanced in age.
His relationship with the national team also reportedly became strained, particularly following disagreements with new head coach Jorge Jesus.
The tensions reportedly escalated after the summer's World Cup in North America, with Ronaldo said to have walked out of a national team training camp last month.
Although he later apologised, his retirement announcement has brought an end to speculation about his future with Portugal.
The development comes shortly after his long-time rival, Lionel Messi, also announced his retirement from international football with Argentina.
Despite the reported tensions towards the end of his career, Ronaldo remains one of the most influential figures in Portuguese football history.
He played a central role in transforming the national team and helping it secure its first major international trophies.
Reflecting on his decision, Ronaldo said it was not an easy one, describing it as a choice influenced by both his emotions and personal convictions.
“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 said in the video titled “Portugal will always be a part of me.”
His announcement comes ahead of the international break later this month, when Portugal are scheduled to face Denmark and Wales in the UEFA Nations League.
Ronaldo's retirement from international football does not signal the end of his playing career. He remains with Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr FC, where he is approaching the milestone of 1,000 career goals, having scored 985 so far.
