Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football, ending a record-breaking 23-year career with Portugal, in which he scored 146 goals in 234 appearances.
The 41-year-old five-time Ballon d’Or winner confirmed his decision in a social media statement on Thursday, saying he would hand back Portugal’s iconic number seven shirt after the November international break.
“Today I finish my walk on the pitch with the national team. I leave with my head held high, with pride in the path I took, and with the awareness that I gave everything I had for Portugal,” Ronaldo said.
The Al-Nassr forward described representing Portugal as the greatest achievement of his career, reflecting on the records, trophies, and memories he accumulated over more than two decades with the national team.
“The goals pass, the cups are in museums, and the records end up being beaten. But there is something that time can never erase: the place we occupy in people’s hearts.
“I spent my life working to be the best player in the world. Today I realise that the greatest victory was to have deserved to represent the best country in the world,” he added.
Ronaldo thanked his teammates, coaches, family and Portuguese supporters around the world, acknowledging the sacrifices, victories and disappointments that shaped his international career.
“Thank you for these 23 years. Thank you for having believed in me. Portugal will always be in me. Forever,” he wrote.
Ronaldo retires as the leading goalscorer in men’s international football, with 146 goals, and the most-capped men’s international player, having made 234 appearances for Portugal.
His international career began in 2003, and he went on to captain Portugal to their first major international trophy at Euro 2016. He also led the country to two UEFA Nations League titles, in 2019 and 2025.
His 23-year international journey featured landmark goals, individual records and appearances across multiple European Championships and FIFA World Cups, establishing him as one of the most decorated players in the history of international football.
The announcement brings to a close an era for Portugal, with Ronaldo having been central to the national team’s success and global profile for more than two decades.
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