Portuguese football icon Cristiano Ronaldo on Thursday announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to a remarkable 23-year career with the national team, during which he became the highest goal-scorer and most-capped player in men’s international football.
The 41-year-old forward made the announcement through an emotional video message shared on Instagram, confirming that he would step away from international duty after the November international break. Ronaldo said it was time to pass on Portugal’s iconic number 7 shirt to the next generation.
“To the Portuguese people, the day has come for me to hand back the number 7 shirt of our National Team. I never felt it belonged to me alone. But for 23 years, I had the privilege and the 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,” Ronaldo said.
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Reflecting on a journey that began with his international debut against Kazakhstan in August 2003, the Al-Nassr forward described representing Portugal as an experience that transformed his life.
“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,” he added.
Ronaldo leaves the national team with an unprecedented record of 146 goals in 234 appearances. He holds the world records for both international goals and appearances in men’s football, having represented Portugal across six World Cups and multiple European Championships.
During his international career, he captained Portugal to their maiden major international trophy at Euro 2016. He also played a key role in the country’s UEFA Nations League triumphs in 2019 and 2025.
Looking back at his achievements, Ronaldo said his memories of playing for Portugal went far beyond individual records and silverware, highlighting the connection he developed with supporters around the world.
“When I look back at everything I experienced with the National Team, I don’t just see matches, goals, records, or trophies. I see people. I see Portuguese people living abroad who, for ninety minutes, felt a little closer to home,” he said.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner also spoke about the determination that defined his time with the national side, saying he had always pushed himself to deliver his best for the country.
“Throughout my entire career with the National Team, I always pushed myself beyond my limits. I wanted to win. I wanted to be better. I wanted to make history. I always demanded the most of myself. I always wanted more. I always believed we could go further. And I gave everything I had for this shirt,” he said.
Ronaldo acknowledged that his journey had included painful defeats and difficult moments, but insisted that representing Portugal had always remained a source of immense pride. He also reflected on the lasting significance of the happiness he brought to supporters.
“Goals fade, trophies end up in museums, records are eventually broken. But there is something that time can never erase: the place we hold in people’s hearts,” he said.
The Portugal captain also thanked his teammates, coaches, medical staff, support personnel and family members for standing by him throughout his international career. He described the opportunity to lead the national team as a privilege, adding that no captain could achieve success without the support of his teammates.
“Portugal will always need young people who dare to dream. Players who never give up. New generations who believe it is possible to go where no one has gone before,” Ronaldo said, encouraging young footballers to continue building the country’s football legacy.
He further assured supporters that his retirement from international football would not end his association with the national team.
“I leave with my head held high, proud of the path I have taken, and knowing that I gave everything I had for Portugal. But I will never stop being one of you. I will keep suffering, cheering, and celebrating every Portuguese victory,” he said.
Concluding his message, Ronaldo described representing Portugal as the greatest honour of his career, saying the pride of wearing the national team’s number 7 shirt would remain with him forever.
The announcement comes weeks after the Portuguese Football Federation handed Ronaldo a 30-day suspension and a fine of 255 euros for leaving the national team’s training camp ahead of a Nations League fixture against Denmark. The disciplinary action followed an incident involving his disagreement with head coach Jorge Jesus over his playing time. Ronaldo had subsequently apologised to his teammates and supporters.
Despite the recent controversy, the forward’s international legacy remains defined by his extraordinary scoring record, leadership and role in Portugal’s rise to major international honours. His departure marks the end of one of the most influential careers in the history of international football.
