Portugal Faces New Era as Ronaldo Announces End to 23-Year International Career
Alex Fefegula Harding Portugal will soon lose its most prolific international goalscorer after Cristiano Ronaldo announced plans to retire from national-team football following the November international break.
The 41-year-old forward announced Thursday in a social media message that he was ready to hand over Portugal’s No. 7 shirt after representing his country for 23 years.
Ronaldo’s decision marks the approaching end of an international career that began in August 2003 and established him as one of football’s most decorated national-team players.
According to Reuters, Ronaldo has made 234 appearances for Portugal and scored 146 goals, making him the record holder for both international appearances and goals in men’s football.
His achievements include captaining Portugal to its first European Championship title in 2016. He also helped the national team win the UEFA Nations League in 2019 and 2025.
In his farewell message, Ronaldo reflected on the supporters who followed Portugal throughout his career, saying his memories extended beyond individual performances, records and trophies.
He also expressed appreciation for the people who shared his journey, including teammates, coaches, staff and supporters. He said representing Portugal had been a privilege and that his connection to the country would remain.
The announcement comes after a turbulent period involving Ronaldo and Portugal coach Jorge Jesus. In October, Ronaldo publicly criticised the handling of his role in the national team and said he remained available for selection. The latest announcement therefore signals a change from his earlier position.
The Associated Press reported that Ronaldo’s international career included six World Cups, a European Championship title and the men’s international scoring record.
His departure will leave Portugal facing the task of moving forward without a player who has been central to its national-team identity for more than two decades.
Ronaldo announced his decision online, rather than at a publicly identified venue. He is expected to complete his international commitments after the November break before ending his Portugal career.