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Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to a remarkable 23-year career with Portugal’s national team.
The 41-year-old forward made the announcement on Thursday, November 5, 2026, in a video message shared on his social media platforms.
Ronaldo leaves international football as the highest-capped male player in history, with 234 appearances, and the leading goalscorer in men’s international football with 146 goals.
His international career began in August 2003, when he made his debut for Portugal as a teenager. He went on to become the country’s captain and a central figure in its most successful period in modern football.
His greatest achievement with Portugal came in 2016, when he captained the country to its first European Championship title. He also helped Portugal win the UEFA Nations League in 2019 and 2025.
In his farewell message, Ronaldo described the decision to leave the national team as difficult, saying it was influenced by both his head and his heart.
“To the Portuguese people, the day has come to hand back the number 7 shirt of our national team, the team that belongs to all of us,” he said.
“I never felt it belonged exclusively to me. But for 23 years I had the privilege and the responsibility of wearing it, defending it and carrying it with me into stadiums all over the world.
“Today the time has come to pass it on to the future.”
The Al-Nassr forward reflected on the experiences, victories and disappointments that shaped his international career, insisting he had always given everything for his country.
“Throughout my entire career with the national team I always pushed myself beyond my limits. I wanted to win, I wanted to be the best, I wanted to make history,” he said.
“There were perfect afternoons and nights, victories I will never forget, and defeats that still hurt to remember. I also failed, I also suffered, and there were moments when I was not able to give the Portuguese people what they so wanted. But I never gave up.”
Ronaldo also thanked his teammates, coaches, medical personnel, support staff and family for their contributions throughout his journey.
He reserved a special message for Portuguese supporters across the world, recalling the emotion of standing with his teammates as the national anthem played before matches.
“I will carry that feeling with me for the rest of my life,” he said.
Despite ending his playing career with the national team, Ronaldo said he would continue supporting Portugal and celebrating its victories.
“I leave with my head held high, proud of the path I took and with the clear conscience that I gave everything I had for Portugal. But I will never stop being one of you,” he said.
He concluded by describing representing Portugal as the greatest achievement of his career.
“I spent my life working to be the best player in the world. Today I realise that the greatest victory was having earned the right to represent the best country in the world.”
“Thank you for these 23 years. Thank you for believing in me. Thank you for allowing me to live a dream that began when I was just a boy in Madeira, running after a ball.
“The number 7 shirt stays. The pride of having worn it will be mine forever. Portugal will always be in me. Until always.”
The announcement follows a difficult period involving tensions with Portugal coach Jorge Jesus and Ronaldo’s reported departure from a national-team camp in late September or early October.
He had previously dismissed suggestions of retirement, insisting he remained available for selection after serving any suspension.
However, Thursday’s announcement brings his international career to a close, leaving Portugal to prepare for a future without its most prolific goalscorer and record appearance holder.
