Cristiano Ronaldo Announces Retirement From Portugal National Team After 23 Years

Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo has reportedly announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to his 23-year career with the national team.

The 41-year-old forward was said to have confirmed his decision on Thursday, November 5, 2026, in a video shared across his social media accounts, announcing that he would no longer represent Portugal.

Ronaldo reportedly retires with 146 goals in 234 appearances for Portugal between 2003 and 2026, making him the highest goalscorer and most-capped player in men’s international football, according to the figures provided in the report.

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Ronaldo Bids Farewell To Portugal’s Number Seven Shirt

In his reported retirement announcement, the former Real Madrid and Manchester United forward said the time had come to hand over Portugal’s iconic number seven shirt to the next generation.

He described representing his country for 23 years as a privilege and responsibility, saying the decision was difficult because it involved both his mind and his heart.

“To the Portuguese people. The day has come for me to hand back the number seven shirt of our national team. I never felt it belonged to me alone. But for 23 years I had the privilege and the responsibility of wearing it, of 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,” he said.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner also reportedly thanked his teammates, coaches, family and supporters for their contributions throughout his international career.

Ronaldo’s Major Achievements With Portugal

Ronaldo enjoyed a historic international career, leading Portugal to some of its biggest achievements in football.

He captained the national team to victory at the 2016 European Championship, giving Portugal its first major international trophy.

The forward also led the country to UEFA Nations League titles in 2019 and 2025.

Despite his achievements, Ronaldo never won the FIFA World Cup. Portugal’s fourth-place finish at the 2006 tournament remained the country’s best performance during his international career.

His longevity, goal-scoring records and leadership made him one of the most influential players in Portugal’s football history.

Ronaldo’s Retirement Announcement Comes Amid Reports Of Tensions

The reported announcement comes amid claims of tensions between Ronaldo and Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus during the previous international break.

However, the report does not establish whether those reported disagreements influenced the forward’s decision to retire from international football.

Ronaldo’s reported decision concerns only his international career. He has not announced plans to retire from club football.

His departure from the national team would mark the end of one of the longest and most successful international careers in modern football.