Cristiano Ronaldo has officially announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to a remarkable 23-year career with Portugal, Reuters reported. The 41-year-old forward confirmed his decision on November 5, 2026, through an emotional video message in which he said it was time to hand over the national team’s iconic number seven shirt to the next generation. His announcement closes a chapter that began with his international debut in August 2003 and transformed him into one of the most influential figures in Portuguese and world football.
Ronaldo leaves the international stage with 234 appearances and 146 goals, both men’s world records. Across six FIFA World Cup tournaments, he became the first player to score at six different editions, while also helping Portugal secure the UEFA European Championship in 2016 and Nations League titles in 2019 and 2025, according to Guinness World Records. His career with the national team was defined by extraordinary longevity, leadership and a record-breaking contribution that placed him among football’s most celebrated international players.
In his farewell message, Ronaldo described representing Portugal as one of the greatest honours of his life, reflecting on the supporters, teammates and experiences that shaped his journey. His departure follows Portugal’s elimination from the 2026 World Cup and a period of tension involving head coach Jorge Jesus, although Ronaldo framed his decision as a personal one. The announcement does not signal his retirement from professional football, as he is expected to continue playing for Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr. For Portugal, however, the end of his international career marks the conclusion of an era built around the player who carried the nation’s number seven shirt for more than two decades.
