Portugal captain, Cristiano Ronaldo, has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to a 23-year career with the national team during which he established himself as the country’s most decorated player.
The 41-year-old forward, who holds the world records for international goals and appearances, scored 146 goals in 234 matches for Portugal after making his debut in 2003.
Ronaldo announced his decision in an Instagram video, saying he was ready to hand over the iconic number seven shirt to the next generation of Portuguese footballers.
“To the Portuguese people, the day has come for me to hand back the number seven shirt of our national team,” Ronaldo said.
“I never felt it belonged to me alone, but for 23 years I had the privilege and 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.
“A journey that began in August 2003 and changed my life forever has come to an end.”
During his international career, Ronaldo featured in six European Championships, winning the tournament with Portugal in 2016 after finishing as a runner-up in 2004.
He also won the inaugural UEFA Nations League in 2019 and the competition again in 2025.
However, the former Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus forward never progressed beyond the semi-finals of the FIFA World Cup with Portugal.
He captained the national team from 2008 and featured in six World Cup tournaments.
His retirement comes following a turbulent period with Portugal’s new coach, Jorge Jesus. Ronaldo reportedly became frustrated after being left on the bench against Norway and subsequently being told he would not start the Nations League fixture against Denmark.
The forward walked out of the national team’s camp in September, leading to a £215 fine and a 30-day suspension from the Portuguese Football Federation. The disciplinary period did not cover any Portugal matches.
Ronaldo’s performances at the World Cup this summer, where Portugal were eliminated by eventual champions Spain in the last 16, also attracted criticism, with questions raised over his continued influence at international level.
Despite the disagreement with Jesus, Ronaldo did not mention the coach in his retirement announcement, instead reflecting on his career and acknowledging the challenges he encountered.
“There were perfect afternoons and nights. There were victories I will never forget. There were defeats that still hurt to remember. I made mistakes; I suffered,” he said.
“There were also moments when I couldn’t give the Portuguese people what they so desperately wanted. But I never gave up. And above all I never stopped feeling proud to represent Portugal.
“I spent my life working to become the best player in the world. Today I realise my greatest victory was earning the honour of representing the best country in the world.”
The Portuguese Football Federation said it would ensure Ronaldo receives an appropriate farewell in recognition of his contributions to the national team.
A statement read, “It is our firm and immense desire to organise, plan, participate and actively collaborate in what will always be a fitting tribute to Cristiano Ronaldo’s immense career, in which fans and the country can applaud and celebrate, once again, the player who has given us so much.”
Portugal are expected to announce their squad for this month’s Nations League matches against Denmark and Wales on Friday.
Ronaldo’s announcement follows the retirement of his long-time rival, Argentina captain Lionel Messi, from international football in October.
