Cristiano Ronaldo’s international retirement echoes disputes involving Ozil, Trezeguet and others

Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football after a 23-year career, bringing renewed attention to players who have left their national teams following disputes with coaches or football associations.

Ronaldo, Portugal’s captain, made the announcement on Thursday. He departs as the world record holder for international appearances and goals, having played 234 matches and scored 146 times.

His decision came weeks after a dispute with Portugal manager Jorge Jesus. Ronaldo left the national-team camp at the end of September without permission after accusing the coach of backing away from promises they had agreed regarding his involvement in matches.

Ronaldo later apologised for leaving and said he remained available for selection. The Portuguese Football Federation subsequently suspended him for 30 days and fined him 255 euros. His latest announcement has now ended the uncertainty surrounding his international future.

Several prominent players have faced similar disputes, although some retirements were permanent while others involved only a temporary withdrawal.

Onana returned after international retirement

Cameroon goalkeeper Andre Onana announced the end of his international career in December 2022, following a disagreement with coach Rigobert Song during the World Cup in Qatar.

Song said Onana had asked not to play in Cameroon’s match against Serbia. The goalkeeper was then left out of the squad and departed Qatar without appearing again in the tournament.

Onana returned to the Cameroon team in August 2023.

Ozil cited racism and disrespect

Mesut Ozil retired from international football in July 2018, after Germany were eliminated in the group stage of the World Cup in Russia and amid a bitter dispute with the German Football Association.

He had faced widespread criticism after being pictured with Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan before the tournament. The controversy intensified following Germany’s early exit.

In his retirement statement, Ozil accused the German association, officials and supporters of racism and of failing to respect his Turkish heritage. He said he had been treated differently because of his background.

Ozil won 92 caps for Germany and scored 23 goals. He was also a key member of the side that won the 2014 World Cup.

Trezeguet blamed Domenech decision

David Trezeguet retired from international football in July 2008 after Raymond Domenech was retained as France manager.

The striker had been omitted from France’s squad for Euro 2008, a decision he described as unacceptable and unjustifiable. After France were eliminated in the group stage, Domenech remained in charge, and Trezeguet said the coach’s continued appointment was the direct reason for ending his international career.

Trezeguet made 71 appearances for France and scored 34 goals. He was part of the 1998 World Cup-winning team and scored the winning goal in the Euro 2000 final against Italy.

Temporary withdrawals

Morocco’s Hakim Ziyech announced his international retirement in February 2022 after a serious disagreement with then-manager Vahid Halilhodzic, who accused him of indiscipline and pretending to be injured to avoid matches. Ziyech rejected the claims and was subsequently omitted from the squad.

The decision proved temporary. Morocco parted company with Halilhodzic in August 2022, after which Ziyech returned under Walid Regragui and played at the World Cup in Qatar, where Morocco reached the semi-finals.

Poland captain Robert Lewandowski also suspended his international involvement in June 2025 after Michał Probierz removed him as captain and gave the armband to Piotr Zielinski. Lewandowski said he had lost trust in the manager and would not play while Probierz remained in charge.

Probierz resigned on 12 June 2025, ending the dispute and allowing the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich forward to return to the Poland team.