Football
Cristiano Ronaldo Retires From Portugal: Football Icon Bids Farewell After 23 Years
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner will hand over Portugal’s iconic No. 7 shirt after rewriting international football history with 234 appearances and 146 goals.
One of football’s greatest international careers is approaching its final chapter, with Cristiano Ronaldo announcing his intention to retire from Portugal duty after the November international break, ending an extraordinary 23-year journey with the national team.
The 41-year-old superstar shared the news in an emotional video posted on social media on Thursday. Reflecting on his time representing Portugal, Ronaldo said the moment had arrived to pass the famous No. 7 shirt to the next generation.
“The day has come for me to hand back the number 7 shirt of our national team,” he said. He added that wearing it for 23 years had been both a privilege and a responsibility.
The announcement marks the end of an era for Portuguese football. Ronaldo leaves behind records that may take generations to challenge, having scored 146 international goals in 234 appearances. Both figures are men’s international football records.
Ronaldo’s Portugal Career: Records That May Never Be Broken
Cristiano Ronaldo made his senior international debut in August 2003, beginning a journey that would transform Portugal’s place in world football.
For years, the forward carried the expectations of an entire nation, becoming the face of its footballing ambitions. His defining achievement arrived at Euro 2016, when Portugal won its first European Championship.
Although Ronaldo was forced off injured during the final against France, he remained involved from the sidelines as his teammates secured a historic victory. He subsequently helped Portugal win the UEFA Nations League in 2019 and again in 2025.
His international legacy extends beyond trophies. Ronaldo became Portugal’s leading goalscorer, its most-capped player and one of the most influential figures in the country’s sporting history.
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Jorge Jesus Fallout Adds Drama to Ronaldo’s Exit
Cristiano Ronaldo’s announcement comes after a difficult period with the national team, including a public disagreement with head coach Jorge Jesus.
Tensions escalated in September after Ronaldo was left unused during Portugal’s Nations League victory over Norway. Following the coach’s comments about his role in the next match, the forward left the team’s training camp in Denmark.
The incident triggered widespread speculation about his international future. Ronaldo later explained his decision, apologized to supporters and teammates, and indicated that he remained available for Portugal after serving any disciplinary punishment.
The Portuguese Football Federation subsequently handed him a 30-day suspension and a fine following the camp walkout.
His retirement announcement now brings that turbulent episode into sharper focus. However, Ronaldo has not explicitly described the disagreement with Jesus as the reason behind his decision.
‘Portugal Will Always Be a Part of Me’
In his farewell message, Ronaldo made clear that his decision was emotional rather than simply a footballing calculation.
He reflected on the supporters who followed his journey, including Portuguese fans living abroad who found a connection to home through the national team.
“If I ever made you happy, if one of my goals ever made you hug someone, forget a worry or feel proud of our country, then it was all worth it,” he said.
The message was accompanied by the words “Portugal will always be a part of me”, capturing the significance of the national team in his life.
Is Cristiano Ronaldo Retiring From Football Completely?
No. Cristiano Ronaldo’s announcement concerns only international football. He is expected to continue playing for Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr, where he remains focused on extending his remarkable career.
His departure from Portugal therefore does not mean the end of his pursuit of more club goals, records and trophies.
For Portuguese supporters, however, the significance is unmistakable. The player who wore the national colors for more than two decades, lifted major international trophies and broke scoring records is preparing to hand over the No. 7 shirt.
Cristiano Ronaldo may still have football ahead of him at club level, but his Portugal story is reaching its conclusion. The records will remain, and so will the memories of a player who changed Portuguese football history.
