Cristiano Ronaldo ends Portugal career after 23 years with national team

Cristiano Ronaldo has retired from international football, ending a record-breaking Portugal career after 23 years and handing back the number 7 shirt he made synonymous with the national team.

The 41-year-old Al-Nassr forward confirmed his decision on Thursday in an emotional video and written statement posted on social media. Ronaldo is the leading scorer in men’s international football, with 146 goals in 234 appearances for Portugal.

“To the Portuguese people, the day has come to hand back the number 7 shirt of our national team,” he said. “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. It was not an easy decision. Because some decisions are not made with the mind alone. They are also made with the heart.”

Ronaldo made his Portugal debut in August 2003, beginning an international career that would establish him as the country’s most-capped player and record goalscorer.

He said the significance of his time with Portugal went beyond the matches, goals, records and trophies, highlighting instead the bond he developed with 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.”

Ronaldo won the UEFA European Championship with Portugal in 2016 and helped the side claim two UEFA Nations League titles. He also became the first player to score at six different FIFA World Cups, finding the net in every tournament from 2006 through 2026.

His retirement follows a difficult period with the national team. Ronaldo had already said that the 2026 World Cup, where Portugal were eliminated in the Round of 16, would be his final appearance at the tournament.

In September, a disagreement with head coach Jorge Jesus led to Ronaldo leaving the Portugal camp. He was subsequently given a 30-day suspension and fined. He had been expected to return for the November Nations League fixtures but has now brought his international career to a definitive close.

In his farewell message, Ronaldo recalled the dream that began as a boy playing with a ball in Madeira. He thanked the Portuguese people for their support and belief, saying Portugal would always remain part of him.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner will continue his club career with Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League. He remains focused on reaching 1,000 career goals.

Ronaldo’s departure closes a golden era for Portugal, who became consistent contenders on the world stage during his international career. The number 7 shirt will now pass to another player, but his records and influence have secured his place in the country’s football history.