Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an extraordinary 23-year career with Portugal to an end.

The 41-year-old Al Nassr forward confirmed his decision in an emotional farewell message published on social media, saying the time had come to hand Portugal’s famous No. 7 shirt to the next generation.

Ronaldo retires as Portugal’s all-time leading goalscorer, having scored 146 goals in 234 international appearances. He also holds the record for the most appearances for his country.

His greatest achievement with Portugal came at Euro 2016, when he helped lead his country to its first major international trophy. Portugal defeated hosts France 1-0 after extra time in the final, despite Ronaldo being forced off injured in the first half.

He also won two UEFA Nations League titles with Portugal, in 2019 and 2025, further cementing his place among the greatest players in the country’s football history.

Ronaldo made his international debut as an 18-year-old on August 20, 2003, coming on as a substitute against Kazakhstan. Over the following two decades, he became the face of Portuguese football and one of the most influential figures in the history of the international game.

Ronaldo’s emotional farewell to Portugal

In his farewell message, Ronaldo reflected on the sacrifices, victories, defeats and unforgettable moments that defined his international career.

He described wearing Portugal’s No. 7 shirt for 23 years as both a privilege and a responsibility, adding that the decision to step away was made with both his head and his heart.

“Today the time has come to hand it over to the next generations. It was not an easy decision, because there are decisions that you don’t make just with your head, but also with your heart,” Ronaldo wrote.

He also reflected on what representing Portugal meant to him, particularly the connection he developed with supporters around the world.

“Football is much more than a game. Football is about people,” he said.

Ronaldo thanked his teammates, coaches, medical staff, football officials and family for supporting him throughout his international career.

He also recalled the emotion of standing alongside his teammates as Portugal’s national anthem played before matches.

“There is only one passion. Portugal. This is the feeling I will carry with me for the rest of my life,” he wrote.

Concluding his message, Ronaldo said he was leaving international football proud of everything he had achieved for his country.

“I spent my life working to become the best footballer in the world. Today I understand that my greatest victory was having the privilege of representing the best country in the world.”

“The No. 7 shirt remains. The pride I felt wearing it will belong to me forever.

“Portugal will always be within me. Until we meet again.”

Ronaldo’s international career spanned five World Cups and six European Championships, establishing records that may take generations to break.

His triumph at Euro 2016 was particularly significant for Portugal, delivering a historic first European Championship title.

For Greek football supporters, Portugal’s victory also brings back memories of Euro 2004, when Greece stunned the football world by defeating the hosts 1-0 in the final in Lisbon.

That remarkable result denied Portugal and Ronaldo their first European Championship, as an 18-year-old Ronaldo watched his country’s hopes disappear at the hands of Otto Rehhagel’s historic Greek side.

Twelve years later, Ronaldo finally lifted the European Championship trophy himself, leading Portugal to glory in France.

His departure marks the end of one of the most remarkable international careers in football history.