Cristiano Ronaldo confirmed the end of his Portugal career on Thursday in a lengthy statement published on social media. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner reflected on 23 years representing his country, thanked his team-mates, staff and supporters, and admitted that the decision had been a difficult one. His final international appearance came against Wales in September.
Ronaldo bids farewell with emotional message
In his statement, Ronaldo reflected on what it had meant to wear Portugal’s national shirt and, in particular, the iconic number seven. He explained that he had never regarded the shirt as his alone, but rather as a responsibility to his country.
“It was not an easy decision. Because some decisions are not made with the mind alone. They are also made with the heart,” said the Al-Nassr forward.
Ronaldo paid particular tribute to his team-mates and everyone who had supported him throughout his international career. Rather than dwelling on records and individual achievements, he focused on shared experiences and the bond he had developed with Portuguese supporters.
He also spoke about football’s significance to his compatriots. If his goals had brought people happiness, helped them forget their worries for a moment or made them proud of Portugal, he said, then everything he had given over the years had been worthwhile.
The Portuguese Football Federation expressed its gratitude to its long-serving captain and announced plans to honour his remarkable international career.
Fallout with Portugal coach Jorge Jesus
Ronaldo’s announcement follows several turbulent weeks. In late September, he remained on the bench throughout Portugal’s 2-1 away victory over Norway. He subsequently left the national team camp early after learning that he would not start the following match against Denmark either.
The episode exposed a disagreement with head coach Jorge Jesus over Ronaldo’s role in the team. The 41-year-old publicly accused his manager of failing to honour earlier assurances, a claim Jesus denied.
The Portuguese Football Federation responded with a 30-day suspension and a €255 fine. The suspension was applied retrospectively, meaning Ronaldo would technically have been eligible for Portugal’s upcoming November internationals.
At the beginning of October, Ronaldo had explicitly insisted that he intended to continue representing his country, while Jesus had also left the door open for his return. The forward has now reversed that decision. He did not explain whether the dispute ultimately prompted his retirement.
234 caps and 146 goals: two world records
Ronaldo made his senior Portugal debut in August 2003 and went on to earn 234 caps, more than any other male international footballer in history. His 146 goals are also an unmatched record in the men’s international game.
Remarkably, 94 of those goals came after his 30th birthday. He scored 14 times at European Championships and another 11 at World Cups, finding the net at five different European Championships and six World Cups, both historic achievements.
His greatest international triumph came at Euro 2016. Forced off injured early in the final against France, Ronaldo spent the remainder of the match urging his team-mates on from the touchline. Éder’s extra-time winner secured a 1-0 victory and delivered Portugal’s first major international trophy.
Further success followed with UEFA Nations League titles in 2019 and 2025. At the 2026 World Cup, his record sixth appearance at the tournament, Ronaldo scored three goals before Portugal were eliminated by Spain in the round of 16.
Portugal face a new era without their captain
Ronaldo’s departure leaves Portugal without their all-time leading goalscorer, long-serving captain and one of the country’s most influential sporting figures. For more than two decades, he was a central presence in virtually every major international tournament Portugal contested.
Head coach Jorge Jesus must now reshape his attacking options without the player who had dominated Portugal’s forward line for so long. Portugal have already qualified for the Nations League quarter-finals and will have to navigate their upcoming fixtures without their record appearance holder.
Ronaldo’s decision does not affect his club career with Al-Nassr. He remains determined to reach the milestone of 1,000 official career goals.
