Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football, bringing his extraordinary 23 year journey with Portugal towards its end.
The Cristiano Ronaldo retirement announcement came on Thursday, November 5, with the 41 year old saying the time had arrived to pass Portugal’s iconic number seven shirt to a new generation.
“The day has come for me to hand back the number 7 shirt of our national team,” Ronaldo said in an emotional statement.
Reuters reported that the Al Nassr forward intends to step away after Portugal’s November international break. He currently stands on 234 appearances and 146 goals, both records in men’s international football.
A journey that began in 2003
Ronaldo made his senior Portugal debut in August 2003 and went on to become the defining figure of his country’s most successful football era.
“A journey that began in August 2003 and changed my life forever has come to an end,” he said.
His international career produced Portugal’s first major trophy at Euro 2016, when they defeated hosts France in the final. Ronaldo was also part of the squads that won the UEFA Nations League in 2019 and 2025.
The five time Ballon d’Or winner represented Portugal at six World Cups and six European Championships.
Ronaldo reflects on Portuguese supporters
Ronaldo said his memories extended beyond goals, records and trophies to the supporters who followed Portugal around the world.
“I see millions of Portuguese people I have never met but who became part of my life,” he said.
His announcement follows a turbulent final period with the national team. Ronaldo left the Portugal camp in September after being left unused against Norway and was later fined €255 and handed a 30 day suspension by the Portuguese Football Federation.
He had initially insisted the episode would not force him into retirement.
Weeks later, however, Ronaldo has decided to close one of international football’s most decorated careers, saying simply: “Football is about people.”
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