Cristiano Ronaldo ended his legendary career with Portugal on Thursday (November 5) after announcing his retirement from international football. The 41-year-old
bid adieu to the national team through an emotional social media post just before the Portugal national team's upcoming November international break, as announced by head coach Jorge Jesus. Despite his suspension after leaving the camp midway last month, Portugal was available for selection this time around. However, he has decided to retire after playing for the national team for 23 years, following his debut against Kazakhstan in 2003. His last match was a 1-0 win over Wales in the UEFA Nations League at Lisbon in September. Ronaldo has been Portugal's captain since 2007 and kept the armband till his retirement. He led the national team to all international trophies they have won in history with triumphin the 2016 UEFA Euros as well as the UEFA Nations League in 2019 and 2025.
Cristiano Ronaldo Portugal Career In Numbers
Matches Played: 234
Goals: 146
Assists:45
Trophies Won: UEFA Euros 2016, U1EFA Nations League 2019 and 2015
Hat Tricks Scored:10
FIFA World Cups editions played: 6
UEFA Euros editions played:6
FIFA World Cup goals scored: 11 in 27 matches
UEFA Euros goals scored: 14 in 30 matches
Massive World Records Held By Cristiano Ronaldo In International Football
234: He is the most-capped player in international football history. Lionel Messi (208), Luka Modric (206), and Kuwait's Bader Al-Mutawa (202) are the only other players to play over 200 matches for their national team.
146: Ronaldo has scored the most goals in the history of international football. Messi (126) is second on the list
1 - Ronaldo is the only player to score in six different editions of the FIFA World Cup. Messi is the only other player to play a match in as many editions. Both played in 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022, and 2026. However, Argentina did not find the back of the net in 2010
14 - Ronaldo is the all-time highest goal-scorer in UEFA Euro history. Micheal Platini (9) of France is second.
30 - Ronaldo has also played the most number of matches in UEFA Euro history. His former Portugal teammate Pepe (23) is second on the list, with Germany legend Manuel Neuer (20) third.
10 - Ronaldo has scored 10 hat-tricks for Portugal. This is the most by a European player. In fact, only Messi (11) has achieved the feat more times in international football history.
23 - Ronaldo scored for Portugal in 23 consecutive years between 2004 and 2026. This is a world record. Messi (21) is second on the elite list.
41 - Ronaldo is the oldest outfield player to start a FIFA World Cup match (41 years, 151 days). He is also the second-oldest goalscorer in the competition's history as well as the oldest player to score in a knockout match.
