Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to a record-breaking 23-year career with Portugal.
The 41-year-old confirmed his decision in an emotional video shared on social media on Thursday, November 5, accompanied by the caption: “Portugal will always be in me.”
Ronaldo retires as Portugal’s most-capped player and all-time leading goalscorer, with 234 appearances and 146 goals.
Since making his senior debut against Kazakhstan in August 2003, he has represented Portugal at six European Championships and six FIFA World Cups. He also became the first player to score at six different editions of the World Cup.
His greatest achievement came at Euro 2016, when he captained Portugal to their first major international trophy. Although an injury forced him off in the final against France, Portugal went on to secure a 1-0 extra-time victory. He also helped the country win the inaugural UEFA Nations League in 2019 and a second title in 2025.
Ronaldo finishes his international career as the leading goalscorer in men’s football, with 146 goals. His 234 appearances also make him the most-capped male international player.
At the World Cup, he scored 11 goals across six tournaments, while his 14 goals at the European Championship remain a competition record.
His individual honours include five Ballon d’Or awards, four European Golden Shoes, three FIFA World Player of the Year and The Best awards combined, three UEFA Men’s Player of the Year awards and the 2009 FIFA Puskas Award.
At club level, Ronaldo has won five UEFA Champions League titles, three Premier League titles, two La Liga titles and two Serie A titles.
His retirement comes after a turbulent spell with the Portuguese national team following a disagreement with head coach Jorge Jesus.
Ronaldo walked out of Portugal’s training camp in Copenhagen on September 30 after being left on the bench during a 2-1 Nations League victory over Norway.
He claimed Jesus had broken an agreement over his playing time, having been told he would feature for 30 minutes against Norway. Despite warming up, he was not introduced.
Ronaldo was subsequently informed that he would not start Portugal’s next match against Denmark and decided to leave the camp.
He later issued a lengthy statement apologising to his teammates and the Portuguese people, while accusing the coach of breaking his word and betraying his trust.
The Portuguese Football Federation’s disciplinary committee handed him a 30-day suspension and a €255 fine for abandoning the national team camp.
Ronaldo accepted the punishment but initially insisted he remained available for selection, saying he wanted to bring his international career to a proper conclusion. His retirement announcement now brings that chapter to an unexpected end.
The former Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus forward is expected to continue his club career with Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr, where he is pursuing the milestone of 1,000 career goals.
📸 Cristiano Ronaldo announces international retirement after 23 years with Portugal 🇵🇹
#CitiSports https://t.co/wTSOhX4wa5
— Citi Sports (@CitiSportsGHA) November 5, 2026
