Cristiano Ronaldo Retires from International Football

Portuguese football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to his 23-year career with the national team.

The 41-year-old forward made the announcement on Thursday, November 5, 2026, through an emotional video shared on his social media accounts, saying he would hand back Portugal’s iconic number seven shirt after the November international break.

“To the Portuguese people, the day has come for me to hand back the number seven shirt of our national team,” Ronaldo said.

He described the decision as difficult, reflecting on the privilege and responsibility of representing his country for more than two decades.

“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,” he added.

Ronaldo made his senior international debut for Portugal in August 2003 and went on to become the country’s most-capped player and all-time leading goalscorer.

He leaves the national team with 234 appearances and 146 goals, both world records in men’s international football.

His international career included several major achievements, most notably captaining Portugal to its first European Championship title at Euro 2016 in France.

He also helped the country win the UEFA Nations League in 2019 and 2025.

The announcement follows a turbulent period involving his relationship with Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus. Ronaldo reportedly became unhappy after the coach left him out of a Nations League match last month, leading to his departure from the national team camp.

Despite the circumstances surrounding his final international chapter, Ronaldo expressed gratitude to the Portuguese people, his teammates, coaches and everyone who supported him throughout his career.

His retirement from international football does not mean the end of his professional playing career, as he continues to feature for Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr.

Ronaldo’s departure marks the end of a remarkable era in Portuguese football, leaving behind records and achievements that have defined his country’s presence on the international stage.