Football Icon Bids Emotional Farewell to Portugal, Ending Record-Breaking International Journey with 234 Caps and 146 Goals
Portuguese football legend Cristiano Ronaldo has officially announced his retirement from international football, bringing an extraordinary 23-year career with the Portugal national team to an end.
The 41-year-old superstar made the announcement on Thursday, November 5, 2026, through an emotional video message shared on his social media platforms, declaring that the time had come to hand over Portugal’s iconic number 7 shirt to the next generation.
“Today, the time has come to pass it on to the future,” Ronaldo said, reflecting on a journey that began in August 2003 and established him as one of the greatest players in football history.
According to reports by Reuters and FIFA, Ronaldo retires from international football with an unprecedented record of 234 appearances and 146 goals for Portugal, making him the men’s all-time leading international appearance-maker and goalscorer.
During his remarkable international career, Ronaldo captained Portugal to its historic UEFA European Championship triumph in 2016 and helped the country secure two UEFA Nations League titles in 2019 and 2025.
He also made history as the first male footballer to score at six different FIFA World Cup tournaments, further cementing his legacy on the global stage.
His retirement announcement comes weeks after reported tensions with Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus during the September international break. The disagreement followed Ronaldo’s limited involvement in the team’s matches and his subsequent departure from the national team camp. Despite the controversy, his international career will be remembered for his extraordinary achievements and contributions to Portuguese football.
Ronaldo, however, is not retiring from professional football altogether. He is expected to continue his club career with Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr, where he remains in pursuit of the remarkable milestone of 1,000 career goals.
His departure from the national team marks the end of an era for Portugal and world football, closing a chapter defined by extraordinary records, historic victories, leadership and an enduring influence on generations of football enthusiasts.
With 23 years of service to his country, Cristiano Ronaldo leaves behind a legacy that will remain a significant part of football history.
