Portuguese football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to an extraordinary 23-year career representing Portugal’s national team.
The 41-year-old forward made the announcement on Thursday, 5 November 2026, through a video message shared on his social media accounts. His decision means he will bring his remarkable international journey to a close after Portugal’s November international commitments.
Ronaldo’s announcement also signals the end of an era for Portugal, where the iconic number 7 shirt became synonymous with his name, leadership and achievements.
In his farewell message, Ronaldo said the moment had come to hand over the national team’s number 7 shirt to the next generation. He described representing Portugal for 23 consecutive years as an enormous privilege and acknowledged that deciding to leave had not been easy.
He reflected on a journey that began in August 2003, explaining that wearing the national colours had been both a responsibility and an honour.
A historic international career in numbers
Ronaldo leaves the international stage with statistics that place him among the most accomplished players in football history: 234 Portugal appearances, 146 International goals, 23 Years representing Portugal, 6 FIFA World Cup appearances. Ronaldo finishes his Portugal career as the men’s international record-holder for both appearances and goals, with 234 caps and 146 strikes.
His international journey began on 20 August 2003, when he made his senior debut against Kazakhstan. At just 18 years old, he was beginning what would become one of the longest and most decorated careers in international football.
Over the years, he transformed from a promising young winger into Portugal’s captain, leading figure and all-time leading goalscorer. His consistency across different generations of Portuguese football helped establish an international legacy spanning more than two decades. Reuters +2
The trophies that defined his Portugal journey
Although Ronaldo collected numerous individual awards throughout his club career, his achievements with Portugal remain central to his legacy.
Some of the defining moments include:
* Euro 2016: Captained Portugal to its first European Championship title in France. Despite being forced off injured during the final against France, he celebrated alongside his teammates as Portugal secured a historic 1–0 victory.
* UEFA Nations League 2019: Helped Portugal win the inaugural edition of the competition on home soil.
* UEFA Nations League 2025: Added another international trophy, further strengthening his record as Portugal’s most decorated generation’s leading figure.
* World Cup appearances: Competed in six editions of the FIFA World Cup, an unprecedented achievement in the men’s tournament.
At the 2026 World Cup, Ronaldo scored three goals before Portugal’s campaign ended in the round of 16 against eventual champions Spain.
The circumstances surrounding his decision
Ronaldo’s retirement announcement comes after a difficult period involving Portugal’s national team management.
In September 2026, tensions emerged between the captain and head coach Jorge Jesus following disagreements over Ronaldo’s involvement in the team’s Nations League fixtures.
Ronaldo left Portugal’s training camp after being left out against Norway and subsequently learning he would not start against Denmark.
He later acknowledged his actions and said he deserved to face disciplinary consequences, while also expressing his desire to continue representing Portugal.
The Portuguese Football Federation subsequently imposed a 30-day suspension and a fine, according to Reuters.
In September, Ronaldo had also admitted that he considered ending his international career following Portugal’s World Cup elimination. However, he initially chose to continue because he believed he could still contribute to the national team.
His announcement on 5 November therefore marks a change from his publicly stated position just weeks earlier.
Portugal prepares to say goodbye to its greatest international goalscorer
Ronaldo’s departure will leave a significant leadership and attacking void in the Portuguese national team.
His retirement is expected to take effect after the November international break. Portugal’s scheduled fixtures include a Nations League meeting with Denmark on 14 November, followed by a trip to Wales.
The Portuguese Football Federation has also publicly acknowledged his contribution, describing him as an exceptional athlete, an inspirational leader and a lasting symbol of the national team’s identity.
While the number 7 shirt will eventually pass to another player, the records and memories associated with Ronaldo’s time wearing it will remain part of Portuguese football history.
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