LISBON, Portugal: Portuguese football icon Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an extraordinary 23-year career with the national team to an end.
The veteran forward confirmed his decision in a video message posted on social media platform X, marking the end of an era for Portuguese football.
Portugal estará sempre em mim https://t.co/dnFj51rxmh
— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) November 5, 2026
“To the Portuguese people, the day has come for me to hand back the number 7 shirt of our national team,” Ronaldo said in his farewell message.
The 41-year-old made his senior international debut against Kazakhstan in August 2003 and went on to establish himself as one of the most influential figures in the history of the game.
🚨| Cristiano Ronaldo confirms his retirement from international football after 23 years representing Portugal. 🇵🇹💔 https://t.co/hfgwaITIIO
— 🔴WFTVLIVE (@WFTV46) November 5, 2026
Ronaldo leaves behind unprecedented international records
Ronaldo retires as the most-capped player in men’s international football, having represented Portugal in 234 matches and scored a record 146 international goals.
His remarkable international career also includes:
- 234 appearances for Portugal, the highest by any male international footballer.
- 146 goals, the all-time men’s international scoring record.
- 45 assists for the national side.
- 10 international hat-tricks, highlighting his extraordinary consistency in front of goal.
He surpassed Iranian football legend Ali Daei’s previous record of 109 international goals in 2021 before extending his tally to 146.
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Euro 2016 triumph remains career defining moment
One of the most memorable chapters of Ronaldo’s international career came in 2016, when he captained Portugal to their maiden UEFA European Championship title.
As a Ronaldo fan, this genuinely hurts. I still cannot believe that Cristiano Ronaldo has retired from international football. I love movies, but this man’s career deserves an entire movie of its own. From the struggles to the triumphs, the heartbreaks to the unforgettable moments, what a journey it has been.
Your legacy will live forever, Cristiano. You gave us memories that football will never erase. ❤️🐐
@Cristiano https://t.co/RKotQA7ayq
— 𝑴𝒓. 𝑾𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒏𝒅 (@Cr7winiano_) November 5, 2026
Portugal defeated hosts France in the final to secure their first major international trophy, despite Ronaldo being forced off the pitch through injury during the match.
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He subsequently led Portugal to UEFA Nations League titles in 2019 and 2025, taking his tally of major international honours with the national team to three.
Speculation surrounds Portugal departure
Ronaldo’s announcement comes amid recent speculation about his relationship with Portugal manager Jorge Jesus, although reports indicated that tensions between the two had eased.
His retirement from Portugal does not automatically mean retirement from professional football. He can continue playing for Al-Nassr and pursuing club-level records and trophies.
THE END OF AN ERA! 🇵🇹⚽️
– Cristiano Ronaldo announces his retirement from international football after an extraordinary 23-year journey with Portugal.
– 234 appearances. 146 goals. A legacy that will live forever! https://t.co/utUuSciEgR
— PTV Sports (@PTVSp0rts) November 5, 2026
The former Manchester United and Real Madrid superstar leaves international football with an extraordinary legacy built on goals, records, leadership and silverware.
Read Also: Cristiano Ronaldo’s World Cup Dream Ends in Tears as Portugal Fall to Spain
His departure brings the curtain down on a historic chapter in Portuguese football, with the iconic No. 7 shirt set to move into a new era.
