Netizens and football fans were taken by shock when Portuguese football legend Cristiano Ronaldo announced his international retirement on Thursday, November 5. With this, the legendary striker has brought
down curtains on his 23-year-long career with the Portugal national team. He confirmed the decision via a social media post, revealing that he ‘Would hand back the number 7 shirt’ after the November 7 international break.’
Over the years, the 41-year-old footballer established himself as one of the most prolific scorers, and is retiring as the most-capped player in men’s international football. He has represented Portugal in 234 games and scored 146 goals. His international debut came on August 20, 2003 against Kazakhstan. However, his first international goal came against Greece during UEFA Euro 2004.
Portugal estará sempre em mim https://t.co/dnFj51rxmh
— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) November 5, 2026
In his retirement video, Ronaldo said, “To the Portuguese people, the day has come for me to hand back the No. 7 shirt of our national team. I never felt it belonged to me alone but for 23 years I had the privilege and the responsibility of wearing it, defending it and carrying it with me into stadiums all around the world.”
Emotional messages and tributes pour in on X as Cristiano Ronaldo announces international retirement
Fans from across the globe took to X and shared emotional tributes for Ronaldo, regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time. Here are some of the reactions-
Cristiano Ronaldo has finally given up for the first time in his life. Happy I lived through this era https://t.co/AEMgdOYqGY
— Goat Sesko (@GoatSesko) November 5, 2026
Portugal will never have another Cristiano Ronaldo. You carried a nation’s dreams and changed its football history forever.
HAPPY RETIREMENT! OBRIGADO, GOAT. 🇵🇹😔 https://t.co/KqUZa0w6eU
— Alíen👽 (@UtdAlienn) November 5, 2026
Cristiano Ronaldo retiring from the national team means we’ll NEVER have to watch a Portugal game or support them ever again 😭❤️ https://t.co/evy0tTjsL3
— ✰ (@DarrylRMFC) November 5, 2026
Cristiano Ronaldo has officially retired from the Portuguese national team😭😭 https://t.co/Yg9fdemNVw
— 𝐎𝐇𝐄𝐍𝐄 (@ik_ohene7) November 5, 2026
The day we never wanted to come has arrived. Cristiano Ronaldo retires from international football. Thank you for the unforgettable memories, the tears, the goals, and the glory. Portugal will never be the same without you, CR7. A legend forever. 🇵🇹🐐
The GOAT 🐐 💔 https://t.co/t4NRzAVWtj— Mane 🔰 (@UTD_MANE_1) November 5, 2026
Ronaldo’s arch-rival Lionel Messi had announced his retirement from the national team on October 6, 2026. Now, with his retirement, an era in international football has come to an end.
