Portuguese football legend Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to an illustrious 23-year career with the national team.

The 41-year-old forward made the announcement on Thursday, November 5, 2026, through an emotional video message shared on his social media accounts, confirming that he would bring his international career to a close after the November international break.

Ronaldo, who made his international debut in August 2003, leaves the Portuguese national team as the highest goalscorer and most-capped player in men’s international football history, with 146 goals in 234 appearances.

In his announcement, the former Real Madrid and Manchester United forward said it was time to hand over Portugal’s iconic number seven shirt to the next generation.

“The day has come for me to hand back the number 7 shirt of our national team.

“I never felt it belonged to me alone. But for 23 years I had the privilege and the responsibility of wearing it, defending it, and carrying it with me into stadiums all around the world.

“Today, the time has come to pass it on to the future. It was not an easy decision. Because some decisions are not made with the mind alone. They are also made with the heart,” he said.

146 goals in 234 appearances

Ronaldo’s international statistics place him at the summit of men’s international football, having scored 146 goals in 234 appearances for Portugal.

He holds the world records for the most international goals and appearances by a male footballer, finishing his international career ahead of Argentina’s Lionel Messi, who has also enjoyed an extraordinary career with his national team.

His international journey began in August 2003, when he made his debut against Kazakhstan, before scoring his first goal for Portugal at Euro 2004.

Over the next two decades, he became the face of Portuguese football, representing his country at multiple European Championships and FIFA World Cups.

Ronaldo also made history at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, becoming the first player to score at six different editions of the men’s tournament.

Euro 2016 and two Nations League titles

One of the defining moments of Ronaldo’s international career came at the 2016 European Championship in France, where he captained Portugal to their first major international trophy.

Despite being forced off injured during the final against hosts France, Ronaldo continued to encourage his teammates from the touchline as Portugal secured a historic 1-0 victory after extra time through Eder’s goal.

The triumph represented a landmark achievement for Portuguese football and fulfilled one of the greatest ambitions of his international career.

Three years later, he led Portugal to another major title, winning the inaugural UEFA Nations League in 2019 after defeating the Netherlands 1-0 in the final.

Portugal subsequently won the competition again in 2025, giving Ronaldo two Nations League titles alongside his European Championship triumph.

His international honours cemented his status as one of the most successful footballers to have represented Portugal.

A career defined by records and milestones

Beyond his major trophies, Ronaldo’s contribution to Portuguese football has been marked by numerous individual records.

He is the all-time leading scorer in men’s international football and has scored in six different FIFA World Cup tournaments.

He also holds the record for the most goals in European Championship history, having scored 14 times in the competition’s final tournaments.

His longevity allowed him to remain a central figure for Portugal across different generations of players, from his early days alongside Luis Figo to his leadership of younger talents in recent years.

Ronaldo’s international career also included difficult moments, including defeats in major tournaments and the disappointment of falling short of another World Cup title.

However, his consistency, leadership and goalscoring achievements ensured that he remained one of the most influential figures in the country’s football history.

Retirement follows disagreement with Portugal coach

The announcement comes after reports of tension between Ronaldo and Portugal’s head coach, Jorge Jesus, over his involvement in the national team’s recent matches.

The disagreement reportedly intensified after Ronaldo was left out of the starting line-up against Norway, despite warming up during the encounter.

He subsequently left the national team’s training camp ahead of another fixture, while the Portuguese Football Federation imposed a suspension and fine following the incident.

Jesus had maintained that the doors of the national team remained open to the forward, describing the disagreement as a misunderstanding.

Ronaldo’s retirement announcement, however, brings his 23-year journey with the national team to an end after the November international break.

Club football career continues

Although Ronaldo is ending his international career, the announcement does not represent his retirement from professional football.

The forward remains contracted to Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr, where he continues to pursue his club football ambitions.

His decision will allow Portugal to begin preparing for a future without the player who has been central to its football identity for more than two decades.

For millions of supporters across the world, Ronaldo’s departure from international football marks the end of a remarkable chapter in the history of the game.

From his debut as a teenager in 2003 to becoming the most prolific goalscorer in men’s international football, the Portuguese captain leaves behind records that will provide a formidable benchmark for future generations.

After 146 goals, 234 appearances, a European Championship and two Nations League titles, Portugal will now prepare for life without its iconic number seven.