Cristiano Ronaldo Retires from International Football After 23 Years with Portugal
Portugal's legendary captain leaves the national team as men's international football's all-time leading goalscorer, with 146 goals and 234 appearances, but will continue his club career.
By: Ebenezer Adugyamfi & Emmanuel Ayiku for GhanaianNewsCanada
November 5, 2026
Portuguese football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an extraordinary 23-year career with Portugal’s national team to an end.
The 41-year-old forward made the announcement on Thursday, November 5, through an emotional message shared on social media, confirming that he would hand back Portugal’s iconic number seven shirt after the November international break.
Ronaldo’s decision marks the conclusion of one of the most decorated international careers in football history, during which he established himself as Portugal’s most celebrated footballer and the leading goalscorer in men’s international football.
In his farewell message, Ronaldo reflected on the privilege of representing his country for more than two decades.
“To the Portuguese people, the day has come for me to hand back the number 7 shirt of our national team,” he said.
He added that although the decision had not been easy, he believed the time had come to pass the responsibility to the next generation.
“Today the time has come to pass it on to the future. It was not an easy decision,” Ronaldo said.
A historic international career comes to an end
Ronaldo made his senior debut for Portugal in August 2003, when he was just 18 years old.
What followed was a remarkable international journey spanning six FIFA World Cup tournaments, multiple European Championships and two decades of memorable performances.
According to figures reported by Reuters and FIFA, he finishes his Portugal career with 234 international appearances and 146 goals.
Both figures are men’s international records, making him the most-capped male international footballer and the leading goalscorer in the history of men’s international football.
His international achievements also include scoring at six different World Cups, an unprecedented accomplishment in the men’s game.
Ronaldo represented Portugal at the 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022 and 2026 World Cups, becoming a defining figure of his country’s football identity across successive generations.
Euro 2016 remains a defining achievement
Among the most significant moments of Ronaldo’s international career was Portugal’s triumph at the 2016 European Championship in France.
Portugal defeated the host nation 1-0 after extra time in the final, securing its first major international trophy.
Although Ronaldo was forced off injured during the final, he remained actively involved in supporting and encouraging his teammates from the sidelines.
The victory represented a major milestone for Portuguese football and fulfilled a long-standing ambition for a generation of players and supporters.
Ronaldo later captained Portugal to victory in the UEFA Nations League in 2019 and again in 2025, adding two more international titles to his achievements.
His leadership, goalscoring ability and longevity helped establish Portugal as a consistent force in international football.
Ronaldo’s retirement does not mean the end of his playing career
Despite ending his international career, Ronaldo has not announced his retirement from professional football.
The forward remains associated with Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr, where he is expected to continue playing at club level.
His decision therefore means that he will no longer represent Portugal in international competitions, including future national-team fixtures and tournaments.
It also brings an end to the possibility of adding further international appearances and goals to his record-breaking statistics.
Portugal pays tribute to its legendary captain
Following the announcement, the Portuguese Football Federation expressed gratitude to Ronaldo for his contribution to the national team and the country’s football history.
The federation described him as an exceptional athlete, an inspirational leader and a symbol of national pride.
It also indicated its desire to organise an appropriate tribute to recognise his achievements and allow Portuguese supporters to celebrate his extraordinary service to the country.
Ronaldo’s influence extended beyond the football pitch, inspiring young players in Portugal and across the world, including millions of supporters who followed his career from his early days as a promising teenager to his emergence as one of football’s biggest global figures.
A legacy that will remain in football history
Ronaldo’s departure from international football closes a remarkable chapter in the history of Portuguese sport.
From his debut in 2003 to his final international appearances, he consistently carried the expectations of a nation while setting records that may take generations to challenge.
His 146 international goals, 234 appearances, European Championship triumph and two Nations League titles form part of a legacy that will remain central to discussions about the greatest footballers of all time.
As he hands over Portugal’s number seven shirt, the responsibility of carrying the national team’s ambitions will pass to a new generation of players.
For Ronaldo, however, his connection with Portugal will remain.
In his farewell message, he made that clear with a simple declaration: “Portugal will always be a part of me.”
