Portuguese football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football, closing one of the most celebrated chapters in the history of the sport.
The 41-year-old confirmed his decision on Thursday, November 5, 2026, through an emotional video message shared on social media, saying the time had come to hand over Portugal's iconic number seven shirt to the next generation.
Ronaldo made his international debut in August 2003 and went on to represent Portugal in 234 matches, scoring 146 goals. Both figures stand as men's international records.
His departure marks the end of an era for Portugal, where he spent more than two decades leading the national team through major tournaments, memorable victories and difficult defeats.
According to Reuters, Ronaldo said the decision was difficult because it involved both his mind and his heart. He also thanked Portuguese supporters, his family, teammates and coaches for being part of his journey.
Five iconic moments that defined Ronaldo's international career
1. Euro 2004: The arrival of a Portuguese superstar
Ronaldo announced himself on the international stage during the 2004 European Championship, hosted by Portugal. At just 19, he scored in the opening match against Greece and helped his country reach the final.
Although Portugal lost 1–0 to Greece, the tournament established Ronaldo as one of the most exciting young talents in European football.
2. Euro 2016: Leading Portugal to its first European title
One of the defining moments of Ronaldo's career came in July 2016 when Portugal won its first European Championship.
Ronaldo was forced off injured during the final against France in the first half. Despite being unable to continue playing, he remained actively involved from the sidelines, encouraging his teammates as Portugal secured a dramatic 1–0 victory after extra time.
The triumph gave Ronaldo his first major international trophy and became a historic achievement for Portuguese football.
3. Nations League 2019: Portugal triumphs on home soil
Three years after the European Championship victory, Ronaldo helped Portugal secure the inaugural UEFA Nations League title.
Portugal defeated the Netherlands 1–0 in the final in Porto. Ronaldo had already attracted attention during the semi-final, scoring a memorable hat-trick against Switzerland.
The victory added another international trophy to his collection and reinforced his importance to the national team.
4. 2021: Breaking the men's international goalscoring record
In September 2021, Ronaldo made football history by becoming the leading goalscorer in men's international football.
He scored twice against the Republic of Ireland in a World Cup qualifying match, taking his international tally beyond the previous record of 109 goals held by Iranian legend Ali Daei.
He continued scoring for Portugal, eventually finishing his international career with 146 goals.
5. 2025: Another Nations League triumph
Ronaldo added another major achievement in 2025 when Portugal won its second UEFA Nations League title.
The victory demonstrated that, even in the later stages of his career, he remained part of a Portuguese generation capable of competing for major international honours.
Portugal's two Nations League victories, in 2019 and 2025, became important additions to his international legacy.
A remarkable international legacy in numbers
234
International appearances
146
International goals
23
Years representing Portugal
3
Major international trophies
Euro 2016 champion
UEFA Nations League champion in 2019
UEFA Nations League champion in 2025
Men's international football's leading goal scorer
Men's international football's most-capped player
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What comes next for Ronaldo?
Although his Portugal career is ending, Ronaldo is not retiring from club football. He is expected to continue playing for Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr.
He is also pursuing the unprecedented milestone of scoring 1,000 career goals, with his tally reported at 985.
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His international retirement marks the conclusion of a journey that began as a teenager in 2003 and developed into one of the most statistically remarkable careers in football history.
Portugal will now have to prepare for life without its long-serving captain and iconic number seven.
