Portuguese football legend Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football, ending a remarkable 23-year career with the national team.
The 41-year-old forward confirmed his decision in an emotional Instagram video, saying the time had come to hand over Portugal’s famous number seven shirt to the next generation.
Ronaldo bows out as Portugal’s all-time leading scorer with 146 goals in 234 appearances, both world records at international level.
He has established himself as one of the most influential figures in the history of the national team.“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 said. “A journey that began in August 2003 and changed my life forever has come to an end.”
The former Real Madrid, Juventus and Manchester United forward played a pivotal role in Portugal’s historic triumph at the 2016 European Championship, guiding the country to its first-ever continental title.
Besides, he helped Portugal secure the UEFA Nations League trophy on two occasions, in 2019 and 2025, further cementing his legacy in Portuguese football.
Having brought his international career to a close, Ronaldo will now turn his attention to club football as he continues his pursuit of the remarkable 1,000-goal milestone.
The Al-Nassr forward has scored 985 goals for club and country, leaving him just 15 goals away from achieving the historic feat.
He made his debut for Portugal in August 2003 and went on to become one of the most successful players in the country’s history, captaining the team and leading them to major honours.
His announcement comes after reports of tension within the Portugal camp in September, when he left the squad after being informed that he would not start their Nations League fixture against Denmark.
