PORTUGAL, Nov 5: Football icon Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to an extraordinary 23-year career with Portugal that established him as one of the greatest players in the history of the game.
The 41-year-old forward reportedly announced his decision through an emotional video message on Instagram, signalling the end of an era for Portuguese football and the national team’s iconic number seven shirt.
Since making his international debut in August 2003, Ronaldo has made 234 appearances for Portugal and scored 146 goals, holding the records for the most appearances and goals in men’s international football.
His international career has been defined by remarkable individual achievements and historic success for Portugal. He captained the national side to its maiden UEFA European Championship title in 2016, defeating France 1-0 in the final, before leading the team to victory in the inaugural UEFA Nations League in 2019.
Portugal won the Nations League for a second time in 2025, further adding to Ronaldo’s remarkable international honours.
In his farewell message, Ronaldo described representing Portugal and wearing the national team’s number seven shirt for more than two decades as both a privilege and a responsibility.
He acknowledged that the decision had not been easy but said the time had come to pass the responsibility to the next generation.
Ronaldo’s departure would mark the conclusion of one of the longest and most successful international careers in modern football. From a teenage debutant in 2003 to Portugal’s record-breaking captain, he remained a defining figure in the country’s footballing journey for more than two decades.
His legacy extends beyond goals and appearances, having helped transform Portugal into a major force in international football and inspired generations of players and supporters around the world.
