Portuguese newspaper O Jogo reported on Wednesday evening that Cristiano Ronaldo, the Portugal captain, had made an "irreversible" decision to retire from international football. This decision comes after his sudden departure from the national team camp in Copenhagen. Ronaldo's final appearance for Portugal was during their 1-0 Nations League victory over Wales on September 24. The 41-year-old has not yet explicitly announced his international retirement.
Hours before O Jogo's report, Ronaldo confirmed that he had left Portugal's camp following head coach Jorge Jesus' press conference and a conversation with Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) president Pedro Proença. In a statement, Ronaldo said he would explain "the truth" behind his departure in due course, wishing Portugal and all of his teammates well. The FPF subsequently confirmed that Ronaldo had left and said preparations would continue with the remaining 24 players.
The reported retirement follows several days of tension involving Ronaldo and Jesus. Ronaldo remained on the bench throughout Portugal's 2-1 victory over Norway on Sunday, despite having been told he could feature during the second half. Jesus later acknowledged that Ronaldo had been angry about the decision but said the matter was resolved. However, the situation escalated, and Ronaldo worked separately from the squad on Monday and Tuesday.
On Wednesday, Jesus told reporters that Ronaldo would return to group training, but the forward left Parken Stadium shortly afterward. Reuters reported that Ronaldo's private jet was scheduled to take him back to Madrid later that evening. Proença had also joined Portugal's camp for talks with Ronaldo and Jesus before the captain announced his departure.
If O Jogo's report is confirmed, Ronaldo would end a Portugal career that began in 2003. He holds the men's international records for both appearances and goals, with 234 caps and 146 goals. Ronaldo captained Portugal to their first major international trophy at Euro 2016 and was also part of the teams that won the UEFA Nations League in 2019 and 2025.
Portugal are due to face Denmark on Thursday without their longtime captain. Ronaldo has said he will provide a fuller explanation of his departure at a later stage. The FPF has not made any official statement regarding Ronaldo's retirement, but O Jogo's report has sent shockwaves through the football world.
The news of Ronaldo's retirement has sparked widespread reaction, with fans and pundits alike discussing the implications of his decision. As one of the most successful and decorated players in football history, Ronaldo's departure from international football will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the sport.
Key points
- Cristiano Ronaldo has decided to retire from international football, according to Portuguese newspaper O Jogo.
- Ronaldo's final appearance for Portugal was during their 1-0 Nations League victory over Wales on September 24.
- Ronaldo holds the men's international records for both appearances and goals, with 234 caps and 146 goals.
