Football legend Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an extraordinary 23-year career with the Portugal national team to an end. The 41-year-old forward shared
the announcement on Thursday through an emotional video on Instagram, marking the conclusion of one of the most remarkable international careers in football history.
In his message, Ronaldo said that the time had come for him to hand back Portugal’s iconic number 7 shirt, signalling the end of an era for the national team.
Ronaldo finishes his international career with an incredible record of 146 goals in 234 appearances for Portugal. He holds the record for the most international goals and appearances in men’s football, establishing himself as one of the greatest players ever to represent a national team.
The Portuguese superstar made his international debut in 2003 and went on to represent his country across more than two decades. His journey included six FIFA World Cup appearances, numerous memorable performances and some of the biggest achievements in Portuguese football.
One of the defining moments of Ronaldo’s international career came in 2016, when he captained Portugal to their maiden European Championship title. Despite being forced off through injury during the final against France, he remained influential from the sidelines as Portugal secured a historic 1-0 victory.
He subsequently guided Portugal to two UEFA Nations League titles, further strengthening his legacy as the country’s most successful footballing figure.
Ronaldo’s retirement announcement comes after months of speculation surrounding his international future. Following Portugal’s 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign, the forward had indicated that he was considering his next move before deciding to continue representing his country.
While his international journey has now reached its conclusion, Ronaldo’s club football future remains a separate matter. The forward continues to represent Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr.
For Portugal, replacing a player of Ronaldo’s stature will be an enormous challenge. His goals, leadership, longevity and contribution to the country’s footballing success have made him an irreplaceable figure.
The number 7 shirt may find a new owner, but Cristiano Ronaldo’s legacy in Portuguese football will remain timeless.
