Lisbon (TDI): Portuguese football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to a remarkable 23-year career with Portugal during which he became the national team’s all-time leading scorer and appearance holder.
The 41-year-old forward announced his decision on Thursday, saying he would hand back Portugal’s iconic number seven shirt after the November international break.
“It was not an easy decision, because there are decisions that are not made only with the head. They are also made with the heart,” Ronaldo said in a video message announcing his retirement.
Reflecting on his international career, he thanked his family, the Portuguese people and the teammates, coaches and staff who accompanied him throughout his journey.
“If I ever made you happy, if one of my goals ever made you hug someone, forget a worry or feel proud of our country, then it was all worth it,” he said. “Portugal will always be a part of me,” Ronaldo wrote alongside the announcement video.
Ronaldo made 234 appearances for Portugal and scored 146 international goals, setting all-time records for both appearances and goals in men’s international football.
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Ronaldo’s international career included some of the most significant achievements in Portuguese football history. As captain, he led Portugal to their first major international trophy at Euro 2016, defeating France in the final. He later helped the national team win the UEFA Nations League in 2019 and 2025.
His career also placed him alongside Argentina’s Lionel Messi as one of only two players to feature in six editions of the global football tournament.
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Ronaldo’s final appearance at a major international tournament came at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He had hoped to secure the one major international title missing from his collection, but Portugal’s campaign ended in the last 16 following a 1-0 defeat to eventual champions and Iberian rivals Spain.
Despite missing out on the World Cup trophy, he leaves international football with a record of achievements that has shaped Portugal’s modern football history.
