Football players and teams, including Neymar Jr., Vinicius Jr., Bruno Fernandes, Pepe, Al Nassr, and Manchester United, honored Cristiano Ronaldo's remarkable
career and enduring legacy with Portugal following his announcement of retirement from international football. In a video message posted on Instagram, the Portuguese forward—who made his debut for his country in August 2003 as a substitute against Kazakhstan—announced the decision and expressed appreciation and satisfaction for representing Portugal over the course of his 23-year career. Ronaldo announced the end of his international football career with Portugal and said that it was time to pass the iconic number 7 shirt. He reflected on a journey that started in August 2003 and permanently altered his life, describing the decision as an emotional one. Bruno Fernandes, Ronaldo's teammate from Portugal, thanked Ronaldo for his inspiration in an Instagram story following his retirement announcement, calling it an honour to have spent time with his childhood idol while playing for Portugal.
Football World Reacts To Ronaldo's International Retirement
Thank you for the inspiration. It was a privilege to share great moments with our national team alongside my childhood idol,” Fernandes penned down in his Instagram story. Neymar Jr. and Vinicius Jr., two Brazilian stars, also reacted to Ronaldo's retirement announcement. He was referred to be a "Legend" by Neymar and "Forever number 1" by Vinicius. Al-Nassr, Ronaldo's current Saudi Pro League team, called him an icon whose impact goes beyond Portugal and stated that although one chapter of the club's history had come to an end, there was still more to be written.
“It’s not just a chapter—it’s history you’ve shaped. You're an icon to the entire world, not just Portugal. Portugal is in your heart, and you are in the hearts of the world. A page has turned, but there is still history left for us to write together at your home.” Former Portugal teammate Pepe also paid an emotional tribute, saying, "It was more than football. Thank you for everything, Cris".
Manchester United, where Ronaldo had two spells during his club career, congratulated him on his international career, writing, "Congratulations on an incredible international career". The Al-Nassr striker's retirement marks the end of one of the most statistically extraordinary international careers in football history.
From his first appearance as a teenager to becoming Portugal's captain and leading the country to major international honours, Ronaldo's contribution extended across six European Championships and six FIFA World Cup editions. Ronaldo's 234 international appearances place him at the top of the men's all-time list, while his 146 goals give him a substantial lead over the other leading international goalscorers.
His scoring record translates to an average of approximately 0.62 goals per international appearance, an extraordinary return for a career spanning more than two decades. Cristiano Ronaldo is also the first player to score in six different editions of the FIFA World Cup, having found the net at the 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022 and 2026 tournaments.
With ANI Inputs
