Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football, ending a 23-year career with Portugal.
The 41-year-old forward retires as Portugal’s record goalscorer and most-capped player, with 146 goals in 234 appearances since making his debut in 2003.
Ronaldo announced his decision in an emotional Instagram video, saying it was time to hand over the country’s number seven shirt to the next generation.
“To the Portuguese people, the day has come for me to hand back the number seven shirt of our national team,” he said.
“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.”
Ronaldo helped Portugal win Euro 2016, the country’s first major international trophy, and two Nations League titles in 2019 and 2025.
His retirement comes after a reported disagreement with coach Jorge Jesus over his role in the team. Ronaldo left Portugal’s camp after being told he would not start against Denmark.
He did not mention the dispute in his farewell message but acknowledged the highs and lows of representing his country.
“I never gave up. And above all I never stopped feeling proud to represent Portugal,” he said.
The Portuguese Football Federation has promised to organise a special tribute to honour his career.
Ronaldo will now focus on his club career with Al-Nassr and his pursuit of 1,000 career goals. He currently has 985.
