Cristiano Ronaldo, the quintuple Ballon d'Or winner, has announced the end of his international career with Portugal. In a heartfelt video message posted on Instagram, Ronaldo confirmed that his journey with the national team has come to an end. The 41-year-old Portuguese legend has had a storied career, playing for Portugal from August 2003 to November 2026. During his time with the national team, Ronaldo has scored 146 goals in 234 matches.
Ronaldo's decision to retire from international football comes after a tumultuous few weeks, where he had a public feud with his coach, Jorge Jesus. The conflict led to Ronaldo being suspended for 30 days and fined 255 euros. Despite this, Ronaldo's legacy in Portuguese football remains unparalleled. He has won numerous titles, including the Euro 2016, the 2019 and 2025 League of Nations, and has scored a goal in every year from 2003 to 2026 while playing for Portugal.
Throughout his international career, Ronaldo has participated in six World Cups and six European Championships, playing a total of 57 matches in these competitions. He has also become Portugal's all-time leading scorer with 146 goals. One of the few achievements missing from his international career is a World Cup title. Ronaldo's retirement was announced just shy of a month after Lionel Messi ended his international career with Argentina.
The Portuguese Football Federation has already expressed its intention to honor Ronaldo's contributions to the sport. The federation plans to organize a grand event to celebrate Ronaldo's career, allowing fans to pay tribute to the legendary player. Ronaldo's impact on Portuguese football cannot be overstated, and his retirement marks the end of an era for the national team.
While Ronaldo's international career has come to a close, he will continue to play for his club, Al-Nassr, in Saudi Arabia. The 41-year-old is still chasing records, aiming to reach the milestone of 1000 goals in his career. Currently, he has scored 985 goals. Ronaldo's legacy in football is cemented, and his retirement from international competition will be remembered for years to come.
Ronaldo's announcement was met with surprise, given his recent form and continued involvement with the national team. However, the writing was on the wall after his public feud with coach Jorge Jesus. The Portuguese Football Federation and fans will come together to celebrate Ronaldo's achievements, and it is expected to be an emotional event.
As Ronaldo bows out of international football, the football world pays tribute to his remarkable career. With a career spanning over two decades, Ronaldo has left an indelible mark on Portuguese football and the sport as a whole. His dedication, skill, and achievements have inspired countless fans and aspiring footballers around the world.
Key points
- Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football, marking the end of an era for Portugal's national team.
