Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football, ending a 23-year career with Portugal. The 41-year-old forward confirmed his decision on Thursday, 5 November 2026, in an emotional video posted on Instagram. Ronaldo's career began in August 2003 and included six World Cup appearances, a European Championship triumph, and two UEFA Nations League titles. He leaves the Portuguese national team with 146 goals in 234 appearances, holding the men's international records for both goals and matches played.
Ronaldo's departure comes four months after Portugal's elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup. His final appearance on football's biggest international stage was in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. At 41, he remained part of Portugal's attacking options despite growing competition from younger forwards. Ronaldo scored three goals during the tournament, including a penalty against Croatia in the round of 32 in Toronto. Portugal eventually lost to Spain in the next round, denying Ronaldo the opportunity to add the FIFA World Cup to his international honours.
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner acknowledged the difficulty of ending a career that had defined much of his life. "Today the time has come to pass it on to the future," he said in his farewell message. "It was not an easy decision, because some decisions are not made with the mind alone — they are also made with the heart." Ronaldo expressed his gratitude to the Portuguese people, saying, "To the Portuguese people, the day has come for me to hand back the number seven shirt of our national team."
Ronaldo made his senior international debut in August 2003, aged 18, shortly after completing his move from Sporting Lisbon to Manchester United. He quickly established himself in Portugal's attack and became one of the central figures in a generation that included Luís Figo, Deco, Ricardo Carvalho, and later Pepe. His first major international tournament came at Euro 2004, which Portugal hosted. Ronaldo helped Portugal reach the final, only for Greece to produce one of the biggest upsets in European Championship history.
The defining achievement of Ronaldo's international career came at Euro 2016, when Portugal defeated hosts France in Paris to win their first major international trophy. Ronaldo's tournament appeared to end in heartbreak when he suffered a knee injury following a challenge from Dimitri Payet and was forced off after 25 minutes. However, substitute Eder scored the decisive goal in the 109th minute, securing a 1-0 victory and Portugal's first European Championship title.
Among Ronaldo's most memorable performances was his hat-trick against Sweden in November 2013, which secured Portugal's qualification for the 2014 World Cup. He also produced a memorable individual display against Spain at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, scoring all three Portuguese goals in a 3-3 draw. Ronaldo's international scoring record continued to grow even as he moved into the later stages of his career, helping Portugal win a second Nations League title in 2025.
The Portuguese Football Federation has announced plans to organise a tribute in recognition of Ronaldo's contribution to the national team. Ronaldo's legacy as Portugal's greatest goalscorer and one of the most prolific players in men's international football history is secure. His records and achievements will be remembered for generations to come, inspiring future generations of Portuguese footballers.
Key points
- Cristiano Ronaldo ends his 23-year international career with Portugal, scoring 146 goals in 234 appearances.
- Ronaldo won several major international trophies, including the European Championship and two UEFA Nations League titles.
- The Portuguese Football Federation will organise a tribute to recognise Ronaldo's contribution to the national team.
