Sports
oi-Prakash KL
Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to a remarkable 23-year association with Portugal. The 41-year-old confirmed his decision through an emotional video posted on social media, reflecting on a journey that saw him become one of the greatest players to represent his country.
Ronaldo, who made his Portugal debut in 2003, said bidding farewell to the national team was not an easy decision. In a post, he wrote, “Today my journey on the pitch with the national team comes to an end. I leave with my head held high, proud of the path I walked and with the awareness that I gave everything I had for Portugal,” Ronaldo said.
Cristiano Ronaldo has retired from international football after a 23-year career with Portugal, finishing as their all-time top scorer and appearance holder following wins in Euro 2016 and the Nations League.
“The number 7 shirt stays, the pride of having worn it will be mine forever. Portugal will always be in me. Until always, Cristiano Ronaldo.”
The announcement follows a period of uncertainty surrounding Ronaldo’s future with the national team, particularly after his reported disagreement with Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus over his role in the squad.
What Happened Between Cristiano Ronaldo And Jorge Jesus?
The reported differences between Ronaldo and Jesus came into focus after the forward was left on the bench during Portugal’s Nations League victory over Norway.
Portugal estará sempre em mim https://t.co/dnFj51rxmh
— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) November 5, 2026
Ronaldo claimed that the coach had initially told him he would get 30 minutes of playing time but later changed his decision. The forward reportedly considered the move a breach of trust.
The situation escalated when Ronaldo left Portugal’s training camp ahead of the game against Denmark. Jesus, however, denied having any disagreement with the player and maintained that decisions regarding the playing XI were his responsibility.
Ronaldo later apologised to his team-mates and supporters for leaving the camp. He also acknowledged that the Portuguese Football Federation had the authority to take disciplinary action over the incident.
Interestingly, Ronaldo had not completely ruled out continuing with Portugal. He was included in the preliminary squad for the November Nations League fixtures, and his international future remained a talking point until his latest announcement.
His decision, made just a day before the final squad announcement, has now ended those discussions.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal Career: Numbers And Achievements
Ronaldo leaves international football with numbers that underline his contribution to Portuguese football. According to UEFA figures, he made 234 appearances and scored 146 goals for the national team, holding the men’s international records for both appearances and goals.
His international career also brought major silverware. He captained Portugal to their first-ever European Championship title in 2016 and was part of the teams that won the UEFA Nations League in 2019 and 2025.
While his Portugal career is over, Ronaldo is not expected to hang up his boots at club level. He continues to play for Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr.
