Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo announced his retirement from international football on Thursday, ending a 23-year career with the national team during which he set world records for appearances and goals.
The 41-year-old shared his decision in an Instagram video, saying he would hand back Portugal’s number seven shirt after the November international break.
Ronaldo has scored 146 goals in 234 appearances for Portugal, holding the men’s international records for both categories.
He captained Portugal to their first major international trophy at the 2016 UEFA European Championship. He also helped the country win the UEFA Nations League in 2019 and 2025.
Ronaldo became the first male footballer to score in six different FIFA World Cup tournaments during the 2026 competition. In his farewell message, he described retirement as a difficult decision guided by both emotion and reason.
Read: Cristiano Ronaldo Wins BOAT Vote for 2008 Ballon d’Or
The forward thanked Portuguese supporters, his family, teammates, coaches and staff who accompanied him throughout his international career. “Portugal will always be a part of me,” Ronaldo wrote alongside the announcement video.
His decision followed a disagreement with Portugal coach Jorge Jesus last month, although Ronaldo did not link the dispute directly to his retirement announcement. Ronaldo is expected to continue playing club football for Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr FC.
Read: Cristiano Ronaldo Named in Portugal’s Preliminary Squad
Portugal faces Denmark on November 14 and Wales on November 17 in their remaining UEFA Nations League group fixtures. His participation in those matches remains unclear.
With additional input from Reuters
