Portuguese football legend, Cristiano Ronaldo, has announced his retirement from international football, ending a remarkable 23-year career with the national team.
The 41-year-old Al Nassr forward bows out as Portugal’s all-time leading scorer, having netted a record 146 goals in 234 appearances.
Ronaldo announced his decision on social media on Thursday, declaring: “Portugal will always be in me.”
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner made his international debut in 2003 and represented Portugal at 12 major tournaments, comprising six FIFA World Cups and six European Championships.
His illustrious international career yielded the 2016 UEFA European Championship and two UEFA Nations League titles in 2019 and 2025.
Ronaldo also captained Portugal through several memorable campaigns and became one of the most influential figures in the country’s football history.
In his retirement statement, the former Manchester United and Real Madrid forward described representing Portugal as the greatest honour of his career.
“Today, I finish my journey on the pitch with the national team. I leave with my head held high, proud of the path I have taken and knowing that I gave everything I had for Portugal,” he said.
He added that although goals, trophies and records eventually fade, the memories created with supporters would remain forever.
“Goals fade. Trophies end up in museums. Records are eventually broken. But there is something time can never erase: the place we hold in people’s hearts,” Ronaldo said.
He thanked his teammates, coaches, family, officials and supporters for their contributions throughout his international career.
“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.
“Portugal will always be a part of me. Farewell, until we meet again,” he said.
Ronaldo’s retirement comes amid reports of a strained relationship with Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus following disagreements over his playing time during the previous international break.
The disagreement reportedly intensified after Ronaldo was left on the bench during Portugal’s 2-1 victory over Norway.
The forward claimed Jesus had promised him 30 minutes of playing time but failed to honour the agreement, despite asking him to warm up.
“Everyone knows the rest. I warmed up from half-time onwards, watched the minutes tick by and wasn’t called on. The coach had broken his word to me,” Ronaldo said.
Ronaldo subsequently left Portugal’s training camp ahead of the team’s encounter with Denmark on October 1, fuelling speculation about his international future.
Jesus, who previously worked with Ronaldo at Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr, denied any rift between them.
The two reportedly met after the Norway match attended by Al Nassr sporting director Simao Coutinho, to address the disagreement.
Ronaldo later accused the coach of failing to honour assurances made during their discussions, prompting his decision to leave the national team camp.
He subsequently apologised to his teammates and the Portuguese people, accepting responsibility for his departure.
The Portuguese Football Federation reportedly imposed a 30-day suspension and a £215 fine over the incident.
In a statement, the federation expressed profound gratitude and admiration for Ronaldo’s extraordinary contribution to Portuguese football.
It described him as an inspiring leader, an example of dedication and the ultimate symbol of the national team’s spirit.
“Throughout a legendary international career, marked by 234 caps and 146 goals, the captain carried the country on his shoulders, broke records and led the team to moments that will forever be etched in the history of national football,” the federation said.
The federation also promised to honour Ronaldo’s contribution with a fitting tribute in the future.
Ronaldo’s final international appearance was reportedly a 1-0 victory over Wales, bringing his remarkable journey with Portugal to a close.
The retirement marks the end of an era for Portuguese football, with the iconic number seven leaving behind a legacy defined by goals, trophies, leadership and unprecedented records.
