Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football, ending a 23-year career with Portugal. The 41-year-old icon made the announcement on November 5, bringing an end to his legendary career with 146 goals in 234 appearances. Ronaldo's retirement comes amid a high-profile feud with head coach Jorge Jesus. The forward has cut ties with the Portuguese national team, citing a breakdown in his relationship with Jesus.
According to reports, Ronaldo has rejected the Portuguese Football Federation's (FPF) offer of a farewell match. The FPF had planned to organise a special tribute to celebrate Ronaldo's achievements, but the forward has no intention of returning to the national team for one final match. A telephone conversation between Ronaldo and Jesus, arranged through FPF president Pedro Proença, had been planned but did not take place. This highlights the strained relationship between Ronaldo and Jesus.
The tension between Ronaldo and Jesus became public during the September international break. Ronaldo left Portugal's training camp without permission following a disagreement with Jesus over his role in the national team. The incident occurred after Portugal's Nations League match against Norway, in which Ronaldo was left on the bench despite warming up during the game. Ronaldo later accused Jesus of breaking promises.
Ronaldo's retirement marks the end of one of the most successful international careers in football. During his time with Portugal, he captained the country to its first European Championship title in 2016 and two UEFA Nations League trophies in 2019 and 2025. He also became the first footballer to score at six different FIFA World Cup tournaments. His final appearance for Portugal was on September 24, 2026, in a 1-0 Nations League victory over Wales.
The FPF has maintained its intention to honour Ronaldo's international career. A special tribute has been promised to celebrate his achievements, despite Ronaldo's rejection of a farewell match. The federation handed Ronaldo a 30-day suspension and a €255 fine for leaving the national team's camp without authorisation. Jesus, however, maintained that Ronaldo would be welcome back whenever he decided to return.
Ronaldo's relationship with Jesus deteriorated significantly after the incident in September. The forward apologised to his teammates and Portuguese supporters for leaving camp unannounced, insisting that he remained available for national team selection after serving any suspension imposed on him. However, the damage had been done, and Ronaldo ultimately decided to end his international career.
Bernardo Silva has been named Portugal's new captain following Ronaldo's retirement. The forward's legacy will continue to be celebrated by the Portuguese Football Federation, despite his rejection of a farewell match. Ronaldo's international career record stands at 234 appearances and 146 goals, holding the men's world records for both international appearances and goals.
Key points
- Cristiano Ronaldo ends 23-year career with Portugal amid feud with coach Jorge Jesus.
- Ronaldo rejects farewell match, cites strained relationship with Jesus.
- FPF to honour Ronaldo's international career with special tribute.
