Cristiano Ronaldo Announces International Retirement From Portugal
Overview
Cristiano Ronaldo announced his international retirement on Thursday, ending a 23-year career with the Portugal national team. The 41-year-old holds the men’s all-time international scoring record with 146 goals in 234 appearances. He leaves after falling out with coach Jorge Jesus and will keep playing for Al-Nassr.
Key Highlights
- Ronaldo, 41, announced his retirement in a video message on social media.
- He scored 146 goals in 234 appearances for Portugal.
- He played in six World Cups.
- He will continue at club level with Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia.
What Happened?
Ronaldo’s international retirement came in a long video message on Thursday. “The day has come for me to hand back the No. 7 shirt of our national team,” he said. His last match for Portugal was a 1-0 home win over Wales in the Nations League on September 24. Jesus then kept him on the bench for the next game and said he did not plan to start him in the one after that. Ronaldo left the training camp. Jesus later said he would be welcome back and that the decision was his.
Why Is It Important?
Portugal had never won a major trophy before Ronaldo’s debut in 2003. Under his watch, the team won Euro 2016, and the Nations League in 2019 and 2025, and it qualified for every World Cup and European Championship. Ronaldo’s international retirement also closes the career of the first man to score in six World Cups.
Impact and Implications
His records stand on their own. He has 11 World Cup goals, more than Eusébio’s nine for Portugal, and scored for his country in 23 consecutive calendar years. He is the first player to reach 200 men’s international appearances. He also has the most European Championship appearances (30) and goals (14). The Portuguese football federation called him “the greatest player of all time” and thanked him for his service.
What Happens Next?
The federation plans a tribute so fans can celebrate him. At club level, Ronaldo has 985 career goals and is chasing 1,000.