Cristiano Ronaldo, 41, has announced his retirement from the Portuguese national team. In a video message posted on Instagram, Ronaldo expressed his gratitude to fans and revealed that it was time for him to step down. He mentioned that he had carried the number 7 jersey for 23 years and felt it was time to pass it on. Ronaldo has had a remarkable career with Portugal, playing 234 games and scoring 146 goals.
Ronaldo's announcement comes after a storied career with Portugal, where he won several prestigious titles, including the UEFA European Championship in 2016. He also helped Portugal win the UEFA Nations League in 2019 and 2025. Throughout his career, Ronaldo has consistently demonstrated his skill and dedication to the team. His retirement was preceded by a tumultuous period, with some fans expressing dissatisfaction with his recent performances.
In recent years, Ronaldo's relationship with the national team had become strained. His decreased productivity on the field led to concerns among fans, and his playing time was reduced. Despite this, Ronaldo continued to be included in the team's starting lineup. However, his absence from a match against Norway and subsequent disagreements with coach Jorge Jesus contributed to his decision to retire.
Ronaldo's departure from the national team follows a similar announcement from Argentine player Lionel Messi. Both players have had illustrious careers and have left an indelible mark on their respective teams. Ronaldo's retirement marks the end of an era for Portuguese football, and fans will miss his exceptional skill and leadership on the field.
Throughout his career, Ronaldo has received numerous accolades and has broken multiple records. He is the top scorer in Portuguese national team history and has played more games than any other player. His contributions to the team's success have been invaluable, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of players.
The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) had previously fined Ronaldo 372,000 euros (approximately $420,000) and banned him from playing for 30 days for leaving the team's training camp without permission. This incident highlighted the tensions between Ronaldo and the team's management. Despite this, Ronaldo's retirement is seen as a natural conclusion to his remarkable career.
As Ronaldo steps away from international football, fans and teammates alike will reflect on his incredible achievements. His dedication, passion, and skill have made him a beloved figure in Portuguese football. While his retirement marks the end of an era, it also provides an opportunity for new talent to emerge and for the team to look towards the future.
Key points
- Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from the Portuguese national team after 23 years.
- Ronaldo has played 234 games and scored 146 goals for Portugal, making him the team's top scorer.
- His retirement follows a storied career, including wins in the UEFA European Championship and UEFA Nations League.
