In Summary

• Cristiano Ronaldo has officially announced his retirement from international football on Thursday, November 5, 2026, bringing down the curtain on a legendary 23-year career with the Seleção das Quinas.
• The 41-year-old captain departs as the all-time leading scorer and most-capped player in men’s international football history, boasting 146 goals across 234 appearances.
• During his tenure, Ronaldo captained Portugal to their first major title at Euro 2016 and lifted two UEFA Nations League trophies in 2019 and 2025.

Five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo officially announced his retirement from international football on Thursday, November 5, 2026, putting an end to a extraordinary 23-year journey with the Portuguese national team.

The 41-year-old superstar confirmed the news via a moving social media video and statement, revealing that he will hand back the iconic number 7 shirt following the upcoming November international window.

Leaving as the most decorated international figure in history with world-record tallies of 146 goals and 234 caps, Ronaldo closes a historic chapter that yielded the Euro 2016 crown and two UEFA Nations League titles.

A Heartfelt Farewell to the Nation

In a emotional message addressed to millions of supporters worldwide, Ronaldo reflected on a path that began in August 2003 when he made his senior debut as an 18-year-old against Kazakhstan.

“Today the time has come to pass it on to the future,” Ronaldo said. “It was not an easy decision, because some decisions are not made with the mind alone — they are also made with the heart. A journey that began in August 2003 and changed my life forever has come to an end.”

The icon noted that while trophies belong in museums and records will eventually be broken, the emotional connection with supporters endures forever.

“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. Portugal will always be a part of me. Forever.”

Navigating the Final Chapter and Recent Friction

The announcement comes on the heels of a publicized rift during the October international camp.

After learning he would be benched during a Nations League fixture against Norway, Ronaldo departed the team base early, leading to a temporary 30-day suspension by the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF).

Despite speculation that he might return for one final competitive run, the legendary forward elected to end his international career cleanly.

His final competitive appearance in a Portugal shirt was a 1-0 win over Wales during the September window.

Future Outlook and Club Focus

While his international days have concluded, Ronaldo will continue his professional club career with Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, where he remains under contract and actively pursuing his goal of reaching 1,000 career professional goals.

The Portuguese Football Federation has announced plans to host a special farewell tribute during Portugal’s upcoming home fixture against Denmark on November 14 to honor his two decades of service to the nation.