LISBON: Portuguese football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football at the age of 41, bringing an end to an extraordinary 23-year career with Portugal’s national team.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner announced his decision in an emotional video message shared on social media on November 5, saying it was time to hand over Portugal’s iconic number 7 shirt to the next generation.
Ronaldo made his international debut in August 2003 and went on to become one of the most successful players in the history of international football.
During his remarkable career, he represented Portugal in 234 international matches and scored 146 goals, setting world records for the most appearances and goals in men’s international football.
A Legacy of Trophies and Historic Achievements
Under Ronaldo’s leadership, Portugal won its first major international trophy at the 2016 UEFA European Championship. The national side also lifted the UEFA Nations League trophy in 2019 and 2025.
Portugal qualified for six consecutive FIFA World Cup tournaments between 2006 and 2026 during Ronaldo’s international career. He also became the first player to score in six different editions of the men’s FIFA World Cup.
Despite his remarkable achievements, winning the FIFA World Cup remained one of the major honours missing from his international career.
Ronaldo also won the prestigious Ballon d’Or award five times, further cementing his position among football’s greatest players.
Emotional Farewell to Portugal
In his farewell message, Ronaldo described leaving the national team as a difficult decision, explaining that it was time to pass the number 7 shirt on to future generations.
He thanked the Portuguese Football Federation, his teammates, coaches, management staff, family and supporters for their continued support throughout his international journey.
Reflecting on his legacy, Ronaldo said that goals eventually fade, trophies become part of museum collections and records are eventually broken, but the place a player holds in people’s hearts remains forever.
He added that representing Portugal had been one of the greatest honours of his life.
Ronaldo and Messi: An Era Comes to an End
For more than a decade, Ronaldo and Argentine superstar Lionel Messi dominated world football and were widely regarded as each other’s biggest rivals.
Their extraordinary performances, individual awards and achievements shaped an unforgettable era in the sport.
Messi also ended his international career with Argentina last month, according to recent reports, meaning both football legends have now brought their national-team journeys to a close.
Ronaldo’s international retirement does not mean the end of his professional football career. He is expected to continue playing for Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr.
His 23-year journey with Portugal will be remembered for record-breaking performances, major trophies and an extraordinary contribution to the country’s football history.
