Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an extraordinary 23-year career with Portugal to an emotional clo
Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an extraordinary 23-year career with Portugal to an emotional close.
The 41-year-old forward confirmed his decision on Thursday, 5 November, in an emotional message to the Portuguese people, saying the time had come to hand over the national team’s famous number seven shirt to the next generation.
“It was not an easy decision, because some decisions are not made with the head alone. They are also made with the heart,” Ronaldo said.
The announcement marks the end of one of the most remarkable international careers in football history. Ronaldo made his Portugal debut in August 2003 and went on to become the country’s most-capped player and leading goalscorer.
He leaves international football with an astonishing record of 234 appearances and 146 goals, making him the highest-scoring player in men’s international football.
In his farewell message, Ronaldo reflected on the responsibility and pride he felt wearing Portugal’s colours for more than two decades.
He said the national team shirt had never belonged to him alone, describing it as something shared by the Portuguese people.
“The day has come to hand back the shirt and the captain’s armband of the national team that belongs to all of us,” he said.
“Today, the moment has come to pass it on to the future.”
Ronaldo’s journey with Portugal began when he was a promising teenager. Over the years, he developed into the face of Portuguese football, leading the national team through some of its greatest moments.
His greatest achievement came at Euro 2016 in France, when he captained Portugal to their first major international trophy. Although he was forced off injured during the final against France, he continued to encourage his teammates from the sidelines as Portugal secured a historic 1-0 victory.
In his message, Ronaldo acknowledged that his international journey was not always filled with success.
He spoke openly about the victories he would cherish forever, as well as the defeats and disappointments that remained difficult to accept.
He admitted there were moments when he could not give Portuguese supporters the results they wanted, but insisted that he never stopped giving everything for his country.
“Above all, I never stopped feeling proud to represent Portugal,” he said.
His words offered a glimpse into the emotional connection he has maintained with the national team throughout his career.
Ronaldo’s retirement is expected to take effect after Portugal’s November international fixtures, bringing his 23-year journey with the national team to a close.
While his international career is ending, the forward’s legacy will remain firmly established in the record books.
For Portugal, replacing a player who has scored 146 international goals and worn the captain’s armband for so many years will be a significant challenge.
For millions of supporters around the world, however, the announcement is about more than football statistics and records.
From a teenager making his debut in 2003 to a captain lifting major international trophies, Ronaldo has been part of Portugal’s football identity for more than two decades.
His final message to the country was simple but deeply personal: Portugal will always be part of him.
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