Cristiano Ronaldo Announces Retirement From International Football After 23 Years With Portugal
Cristiano Ronaldo has retired from international football. The Portugal captain announced it on Thursday, November 5, in a video on Instagram. The video is titled "Portugal will always be a part of me". He is 41. His Portugal career lasted 23 years.
| Record | Ronaldo |
|---|---|
| Years with Portugal | 23 |
| International appearances | 234 |
| International goals | 146 |
| World Cups played | 6 |
He is the all-time leading goalscorer and most-capped player in men's international football. Both records are his.
Ronaldo said he will hand back the number 7 shirt after the November international break. Portugal play Denmark and Wales in the UEFA Nations League in that window. He said the decision was not an easy one. He said it was made with the heart as well as the mind.
His last appearance for Portugal was on September 24. Portugal beat Wales 1-0 in a Nations League game in Lisbon.
The retirement follows a fall-out with new coach Jorge Jesus. Ronaldo was an unused substitute in Portugal's 2-1 Nations League win at Norway. He then walked out of the squad. He said Jesus had broken his word over his playing time. Ronaldo later apologised to his teammates for leaving. He did not apologise to Jesus.
The Portuguese Football Federation suspended him for 30 days and fined him. In a letter after the row, Ronaldo had said he would stay available for Portugal. He has now decided to retire instead.
His career with Portugal brought three major trophies. He captained the team to Euro 2016, the country's first major title. He then helped Portugal win the UEFA Nations League in 2019 and 2025. Portugal are the only country to have won the Nations League twice.
The federation thanked him in a statement. It spoke of its "deep gratitude and immense admiration". It said that for many, he is "the greatest player of all time". It also announced a special tribute to honour his service.
The news comes less than a month after Lionel Messi played his last game for Argentina. Ronaldo still plays his club football for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia. His retirement covers only the national team.