Lisbon: Portuguese football star Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to a remarkable career spanning 23 years with Portugal. He leaves the national team as its most successful player and the highest scoring player in men's international football.
The 41 year old forward announced his decision on November 5 through a video message shared on social media. He said it was time to hand over Portugal's iconic number seven shirt to the next generation, marking the end of an international journey that began in August 2003.
Ronaldo finishes his international career with 234 appearances and 146 goals, both world records in men's international football. He also became the first player to score in six different editions of the FIFA World Cup, having represented Portugal in the tournaments held between 2006 and 2026.
His international career included some of Portugal's greatest football achievements. He captained the country to its first European Championship title in 2016, when Portugal defeated France 1-0 after extra time in the final in Saint Denis. He also helped the team win the UEFA Nations League in 2019 and 2025.
Ronaldo's final appearance for Portugal came on September 24, 2026, when the team defeated Wales 1-0 in a Nations League match in Lisbon. His retirement announcement therefore came more than a month after his last appearance for the national side.
His final World Cup appearance came in 2026, when Portugal were eliminated by Spain in the last 16. Despite the defeat, Ronaldo scored at the tournament, extending his record of scoring at six different World Cups.
His departure follows a difficult period involving disagreements with Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus. The dispute developed during the team's September Nations League campaign, when Ronaldo became unhappy after warming up for a match against Norway but not being brought onto the field.
Ronaldo later said that the coach had promised him playing time but changed his position. He also claimed that they had agreed that the coach would publicly explain the situation. Ronaldo and Jesus gave different accounts of their discussions, with the disagreement attracting considerable attention in Portugal.
The situation escalated when Ronaldo left Portugal's training camp before the subsequent match against Denmark. He later apologised for leaving without properly acknowledging his teammates and supporters.
The Portuguese Football Federation subsequently imposed a 30 day suspension and a financial penalty. Ronaldo said he remained available to represent his country after accepting the disciplinary action.
Although the disagreement attracted considerable attention, it remains unclear whether it was the main reason behind his retirement decision.
Following the announcement, the Portuguese Football Federation expressed gratitude for Ronaldo's contribution and praised his dedication, leadership and influence on the national team. It also announced its intention to organise a special tribute to recognise his achievements, although details of the event have not yet been confirmed.
Jesus said he had asked Ronaldo to remain with the national team because he still needed him, but respected the forward's decision. Portugal teammate Bruno Fernandes also praised Ronaldo, describing it as a privilege to have shared important moments with his childhood idol.
Ronaldo's retirement also marks another significant moment in the long rivalry between him and Argentine footballer Lionel Messi. The two players dominated international and club football for more than a decade and are widely regarded as among the greatest footballers of their generation.
Messi, 39, announced his retirement from Argentina's national team on August 31, 2026. His final international appearance came on October 6 in a farewell match against Benin in