Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from the Portugal national team, bringing an end to a 23-year international career that saw him become the men's record holder for both appearances and goals.
In a video posted to Instagram on Thursday, the 41-year-old said the day had come to hand back the number seven shirt of the national team.
"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," Ronaldo said.
Ronaldo, who made his Portugal debut in 2003, went on to earn 234 caps and score 146 goals, both world records in men's international football. He captained Portugal to their first major trophy at Euro 2016 and led them to Nations League titles in 2019 and 2025.
Coach Jorge Jesus left him on the bench for a Nations League match and said he did not plan to start him in the next game. Ronaldo walked out of the camp last month and was subsequently suspended and fined by the Portuguese Football Association (FPF). Jesus later said Ronaldo would be welcome back and that the decision to return was his.
His final appearance for Portugal was a 1-0 win over Wales on September 24.
The Portuguese Football Federation released a statement expressing "deep gratitude and immense admiration" for Ronaldo's service. "Cristiano Ronaldo has raised Portugal's profile and inspired generations of young people who dream of following in his footsteps; for many of us, he is the greatest player of all time!" the federation said. It added that it intends to organise a tribute in which fans and the country can applaud and celebrate him.
Ronaldo, who currently plays club football for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, is expected to continue his club career and is pursuing his 1,000th career goal, having scored 985 to date.
Analysis
Why This Matters
- Ronaldo's retirement ends the international career of one of football's most iconic players, with records that may stand for decades.
- His departure from the Portugal setup after a public falling-out with the coach adds a bittersweet note to an otherwise glorious chapter in the country's football history.
- The announcement leaves Portugal needing to build a new attacking identity ahead of the next major tournament cycle.
Background
Cristiano Ronaldo made his Portugal debut as a teenager in 2003 and quickly became the team's talisman. He led Portugal to their first European Championship in 2016 and two Nations League triumphs. Off the pitch, he is one of the most marketable athletes in the world, with a transfer career spanning Sporting Lisbon, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus and Al-Nassr. His relationship with national-team coach Jorge Jesus soured in September 2026 after Jesus dropped him to the bench and Ronaldo walked out of the training camp.
Key Perspectives
Cristiano Ronaldo: Said the decision was made "with the heart" and that he was handing back the shirt to pass it on "to the future". He thanked his family, teammates, coaches and the Portuguese people.
Portuguese Football Federation: Expressed gratitude and called Ronaldo "the greatest player of all time", stating he raised Portugal's profile and inspired generations. It plans a formal tribute.
Jorge Jesus (Portugal coach): Earlier said Ronaldo would be welcome back after the walkout and that the decision to return was up to him.
What to Watch
- Whether Portugal organises a farewell match similar to Lionel Messi's send-off with Argentina.
- Ronaldo's pursuit of 1,000 career goals at club level with Al-Nassr.
- How Portugal's squad rebuilds without its long-time captain and record scorer.
Checked
12 claims in this story checked against 2 sources: 12 supported.
Show each claim
- SupportedRonaldo has retired from Portugal’s national team.BBC News: “Portugal legend Cristiano Ronaldo says he is retiring from international football.”
- SupportedHis Portugal career lasted 23 years.Euronews: “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.”
- SupportedRonaldo is the men’s all-time international top scorer.Euronews: “ending a career that spanned six World Cups and included a European title and the men’s all-time international scoring record.”
- SupportedRonaldo is 41.Euronews: “the 41-year-old Ronaldo said in a long video message on social media.”
- SupportedRonaldo’s departure followed a falling-out with coach Jorge Jesus.Euronews: “finished with him walking out on the national team after falling out with coach Jorge Jesus.”
- SupportedIn a social-media video, Ronaldo said, “To the Portuguese people, the day has come for me to hand back the No. 7 shirt of our national team.”Euronews: ““To the Portuguese people, the day has come for me to hand back the No. 7 shirt of our national team,” the 41-year-old Ronaldo said in a long video message on social media.”
- SupportedRonaldo 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.”Euronews: ““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.””
- SupportedRonaldo’s career included six World Cups.Euronews: “ending a career that spanned six World Cups and included a European title and the men’s all-time international scoring record.”
- SupportedRonaldo’s final Portugal appearance was on 24 September, in a 1-0 Nations League win over Wales.Euronews: “Ronaldo’s final appearance with Portugal ended up being on 24 September in a 1-0 win over Wales in the Nations League.”
- SupportedJesus benched Ronaldo for the following match and said he did not plan to start him in the next one, after which Ronaldo left the training camp.Euronews: “Jesus kept him on the bench for the following match and said he didn’t plan to start him in the next one, so Ronaldo decided to leave the team’s training camp.”
- SupportedThe Portuguese football federation expressed “deep gratitude and immense admiration” for Ronaldo.Euronews: “The Portuguese soccer federation released a statement expressing “deep gratitude and immense admiration” for Ronaldo’s service to the country.”
- SupportedRonaldo scored 146 goals in 234 appearances for Portugal.Euronews: “Of those, a record 146 goals came in 234 appearances with Portugal.”