Cristiano Ronaldo announces Portugal retirement after 23 years and 146 goals
Table of Contents
 |
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Cristiano Ronaldo will retire from Portugal after the November 2026 international break.
- He finishes with 146 goals and a record 234 international appearances.
- His Portugal career included Euro 2016 and two Nations League titles.
Ronaldo leaves the national team as the greatest goalscorer and most-capped player in men's international football, having scored 146 goals in 234 appearances.
His announcement brings an emotional conclusion to a remarkable international journey that began in August 2003 and saw him become one of the most influential figures in Portuguese sporting history.
Cristiano Ronaldo announces Portugal retirement in emotional message
The 41-year-old forward confirmed the news in an emotional social media video on Thursday, revealing that he would hand back Portugal's iconic number seven shirt after the November international break.He described the decision as difficult, explaining that it was one made with his heart as much as his head.
The day has come back for me to hand back the number 7 shirt of our national team.He acknowledged the victories, defeats, records and trophies, but insisted that the most important part of his international career was the connection he had built with the people of Portugal.
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.
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.
When I look back at everything with the national team, I don't just see the matches, goals, records or trophies.He concluded that representing Portugal had been the greatest achievement of his career.
I see people. I see the 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.
Because at the end of the day, football is so much bigger than a game. Football is about people.
Jorge Jesus fallout preceded Ronaldo's retirement decision
Ronaldo's announcement comes weeks after a public disagreement with Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus.The dispute escalated during the September international period, when Ronaldo left the national team camp ahead of a Nations League fixture against Denmark.
The disagreement reportedly centred on promises about his playing time, with Ronaldo believing that Jesus had not honoured an agreement concerning his involvement in the team.
Jesus denied making such an agreement but left the door open for Ronaldo's return.
The former Manchester United and Real Madrid star subsequently apologised to supporters and his team-mates, insisting that he remained available for international selection.
However, the Portuguese Football Federation handed Ronaldo a 30-day suspension and a fine following the incident.
Although Ronaldo had previously considered ending his international career after the 2026 FIFA World Cup, he had indicated that he remained willing to represent Portugal.
His latest announcement now confirms that his international journey will come to an end after the November fixtures.
Ronaldo leaves Portugal as international football's record goalscorer
There is little doubt about Ronaldo's extraordinary impact on international football.Since making his senior debut against Kazakhstan in August 2003, he has established records that few players are likely to challenge for years to come.
His 146 international goals make him the leading goalscorer in men's international football, whilst his 234 appearances are also a world record.
Ronaldo has represented Portugal at six World Cups, becoming one of only two players, alongside Lionel Messi, to feature in six editions of the tournament.
He also won five Ballon d'Or awards during his club career, further cementing his status as one of football's greatest players.
However, international trophies have remained an equally important part of his legacy.
Euro 2016 remains the defining moment of Ronaldo's Portugal career
Ronaldo's greatest achievement with Portugal came at Euro 2016 in France.As captain, he led his country to its first major international trophy, ending decades of disappointment on the international stage.
Portugal defeated hosts France 1-0 after extra time in the final, despite Ronaldo being forced off with a knee injury in the 25th minute.
The forward left the pitch in tears but continued encouraging his team-mates from the sidelines.
He eventually joined the celebrations as Portugal lifted the European Championship trophy.
Ronaldo later added another major international honour by captaining Portugal to Nations League victories in 2019 and 2025.
Those achievements ensured that his legacy would extend far beyond individual goalscoring records.
When will Cristiano Ronaldo play his final games for Portugal?
Although Ronaldo has announced his retirement, his international career is not expected to finish immediately.Portugal are scheduled to host Denmark on 14 November before travelling to face Wales in their remaining Nations League fixtures.
Those matches represent Ronaldo's final opportunities to add to his international goalscoring and appearance records.
The announcement therefore gives supporters one final chance to see the legendary number seven represent Portugal before he steps away from international football.
Watch Cristiano Ronaldo's final Portugal matches
Don't miss the opportunity to watch Portugal during Ronaldo's farewell international fixtures.Portugal vs Denmark - 14 November 2026
Estádio Municipal de Braga, Braga, Portugal.
Check Portugal vs Denmark tickets on StubHub
Wales vs Portugal - 17 November 2026
Cardiff City Stadium, Cardiff, Wales.
Check Wales vs Portugal tickets on StubHub
Ticket availability and prices are subject to change. Ronaldo's participation in either fixture is not guaranteed.
Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal legacy
Ronaldo's departure marks the end of one of the most remarkable careers in international football.From an 18-year-old making his debut in 2003 to the captain who delivered Portugal's historic Euro 2016 triumph, his journey has spanned generations of players and supporters.
His 146 goals, 234 appearances and collection of international honours tell only part of the story.
For Portugal, Ronaldo was more than a prolific goalscorer. He became the symbol of an era, a captain who helped transform the country's expectations and a player whose influence reached far beyond the football pitch.
As he prepares to hand over the number seven shirt, one thing is certain: his place in Portugal's football history is secure.
Thank you for the memories, Cristiano.
Post a Comment