BREAKING: Cristiano Ronaldo Announces Retirement From International Football After 23 Years
Portuguese football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to his 23-year career with the country’s national team.
The 41-year-old forward made the announcement on Thursday, November 5, 2026, in an emotional message published on his Instagram account, saying it was time to hand over Portugal’s iconic number seven shirt to the next generation.
Ronaldo described the decision as difficult, explaining that his departure was influenced by both his mind and his heart.
“The day has come for me to hand back the number 7 shirt of our national team,” he said.
Reflecting on his international career, which began in August 2003, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner described his journey with Portugal as one that changed his life.
He said his memories extended beyond matches, goals, records and trophies, highlighting the supporters, teammates and other people who contributed to his experience representing the country.
Ronaldo also acknowledged the disappointments and mistakes he encountered during his career but maintained that he never stopped feeling proud of representing Portugal.
According to UEFA’s international records, Ronaldo leaves the national team as the highest-scoring player in men’s international football, with 146 goals in 234 appearances.
He also holds the world record for the most international appearances by a male footballer.
His international journey began in August 2003, and he went on to become one of the most influential players in Portuguese football history.
Among his major achievements with the national team was helping Portugal win the 2016 European Championship, the country’s first major international trophy.
He also played a significant role in Portugal’s triumph at the 2019 and 2025 UEFA Nations League competitions.
Ronaldo’s announcement comes weeks after tensions emerged between him and Portugal’s new head coach, Jorge Jesus, following his departure from the national team’s training camp in September.
The disagreement attracted attention after Ronaldo was left on the bench during Portugal’s match against Norway and subsequently left the squad ahead of another Nations League fixture.
In a statement published on October 6, Ronaldo explained his reasons for leaving the camp, apologised to his teammates and Portuguese supporters, and maintained that he remained available for national team selection.
His latest announcement, however, brings that chapter of his football career to a close.
Portugal are scheduled to face Denmark on November 14 before travelling to Wales for their final Nations League group fixture on November 17.
Ronaldo’s departure will mark the end of an extraordinary international career spanning more than two decades, during which he established himself as Portugal’s record goalscorer and most-capped player.
