Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from Portugal duty after the November 2026 international break. The 41-year-old forward confirmed the news in a video shared on social media on Thursday, November 5. Ronaldo's career with Portugal spanned 23 years, during which he made 234 appearances and scored 146 goals. He captained the team to three major titles: Euro 2016 and the Nations League in 2019 and 2025.
Ronaldo made his senior debut for Portugal on August 20, 2003, against Kazakhstan in a friendly match. He scored his first international goal at the 2004 European Championship against Greece, marking the beginning of a prolific goalscoring journey. His 146 goals make him the highest goalscorer in men's international football, surpassing Argentina's Lionel Messi, who has 126 goals.
Throughout his international career, Ronaldo featured in six European Championships and six World Cups, making him one of the few players to appear in 12 editions of the two major international tournaments. He also holds the record for the most appearances in men's international football, having surpassed Kuwait's Bader Al-Mutawa's previous mark.
Ronaldo's most significant achievement with Portugal came in 2016, when he captained the team to its first European Championship title after a 1-0 extra-time victory over France. He later led the team to the 2019 and 2025 UEFA Nations League titles. Additionally, Ronaldo recorded 10 international hat-tricks and scored in 23 consecutive calendar years after opening his international account in 2004.
In his retirement announcement, Ronaldo expressed his gratitude to the Portuguese people, stating that football is about people, not just matches, goals, or records. He also mentioned that he never felt the iconic number seven shirt belonged to him alone and that it was time to pass it on to the future.
Ronaldo's departure leaves Portugal without the player who has defined its national team for over two decades. His records of 234 appearances and 146 goals set a significant benchmark for future generations. The forward's legacy with Portugal will be remembered for years to come, with his impact extending beyond the football pitch.
As Ronaldo retires from international duty, he will continue to play for his club, Al Nassr. His career, both at the club and international levels, has been marked by numerous accolades, including individual awards and team titles. Ronaldo's announcement has sparked tributes from the football community, with many acknowledging his contributions to the sport.
Key points
- Cristiano Ronaldo will retire from Portugal duty after the November 2026 international break.
- Ronaldo's career with Portugal spanned 23 years, during which he made 234 appearances and scored 146 goals.
- He captained Portugal to three major titles: Euro 2016 and the Nations League in 2019 and 2025.
