Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from the Portugal national team, bringing an end to an international career that has lasted more than two decades.
The 41-year-old football legend confirmed his decision today , through an emotional message shared on social media.
Ronaldo expressed his pride in representing his country and thanked everyone who supported him throughout his journey with the national team.
The Al-Nassr forward also revealed that he would be handing back Portugal’s famous number 7 shirt, which he has worn for many years.
According to reports, Ronaldo plans to officially end his international career after the November international break. His announcement marks the end of a remarkable chapter in his football career.
Since making his senior debut for Portugal in 2003, the former Manchester United and Real Madrid star has become one of the most successful players to represent his country.
In his farewell message, the Portuguese captain reflected on the privilege of representing his country and leading the national team.
He also thanked his teammates, coaches, supporters and family for standing behind him throughout his international career.
Cristiano Ronaldo said: “To the Portuguese people. The day has come to hand back the shirt and the captain’s armband of the national team that belongs to all of us.”
“I never felt that it was exclusively mine, but for 23 years, I had the privilege and responsibility of wearing it, defending it, and carrying it with me to stadiums all around the world.”
“Today, the moment has come to pass it on to the future. It was not an easy decision, because some decisions are not made with the head alone.”
“They are also made with the heart. I am bringing to an end a journey that began in August 2003 and changed my life forever.”
“When I look back and think about everything I experienced with the national team, I don’t just see matches, goals, records, or trophies. I see people.”
“I see immigrants who, for 90 minutes, felt a little closer to Portugal. I see millions of Portuguese people whom I never met personally, but who became part of my life.”
“Because, at the end of the day, football is much bigger than a game. Football is about people.”
“Throughout my entire career with the national team, I always tried to push beyond my limits. I wanted to win, I wanted to be the best, I wanted to make history.”
“I was always demanding of myself, i always wanted more. I always believed we could go further, and I gave everything I had for this shirt.”
“There were perfect afternoons and nights. There were victories I will never forget. There were defeats that still hurt to remember today.”
“I also failed, i also suffered. There were moments when I couldn’t give the Portuguese people what they wanted so badly. But I never gave up.
“And above all, I never stopped feeling proud to represent Portugal. Over these years, I learned some very simple things, goals come and go, trophies end up in museums, records are eventually broken, but there is something that time can never erase.”
“The place I hold in people’s hearts. If I ever made you happy, if one of my goals ever made you hug someone, forget a worry, or feel proud of our country, then it was all worth it.”
“Because being Portuguese is also about that. We suffer together. We get back up together. We believe again.”
“Portugal will always need young people who dream, players who never give up, and new generations who believe it is possible to reach places no one has reached before.”
“Because a country that continues to create new heroes is a country that never stops believing in itself. To my national team teammates, I want to leave a special message.”
“Thank you for every run, every hug, every argument, every moment of silence before stepping onto the pitch, every victory we celebrated together, and every defeat that made us stronger.”
“I had the privilege of being your captain, but no captain walks alone, and you are all part of my story.”
“To all the coaches, directors, doctors, physiotherapists, kit managers, staff members, and the many people who worked with me throughout these years, thank you.”
“Many of you never appeared in the photographs, but without you, none of those photographs would have been possible. To my family, thank you for sharing this dream with me.”
“Thank you for understanding the absences, the sacrifices, and the moments when the national team had to take up a space that also belonged to you.”
“If I made it this far, it was because we always walked hand in hand. And to the Portuguese people, to every Portuguese person around the world, I want to tell you one last thing.”
“There is an image that I will always carry with me. A moment when the national anthem begins.”
“I look around me. I see my teammates. I see the stands. I see children, mothers, fathers, and grandparents, i see Portuguese people who travelled from so far away just to be there.”
“And during those moments, we stop being different, there are no clubs, there are no colors, there are no classes, there are no professions, there are no opinions.”
“There is only one passion: Portugal.”
The forward made it clear that he would continue supporting Portugal even after leaving the national team. His decision brings an end to years of excitement, goals and memorable performances in the famous red and green shirt.
Cristiano Ronaldo leaves the Portugal national team as the country’s all-time leading goalscorer and appearance holder.
According to available records, he made 234 appearances for Portugal and scored 146 goals. These numbers also make him the leading goalscorer and most-capped player in men’s international football.
His international journey began in August 2003, and he quickly became an important player for his country. One of the biggest moments of his career came in 2016 when he helped Portugal win the European Championship for the first time in their history.
Although Ronaldo suffered an injury during the final against France and had to leave the pitch early, his leadership and support from the sidelines remained an important part of Portugal’s historic victory.
He also helped Portugal win the UEFA Nations League in 2019 and 2025, adding more international success to his impressive career. Ronaldo’s retirement announcement comes after a difficult period involving the Portugal national team and head coach Jorge Jesus.
The forward had previously been involved in a disagreement with the manager and left the national team camp during the September international break.
He later released a lengthy statement explaining his side of the situation and apologised to his teammates and Portuguese supporters for leaving the camp.
At the time, Ronaldo made it clear that he still wanted to represent his country and was not ready to retire from international football. However, his latest announcement has now confirmed that his time with Portugal is coming to an end.
Ronaldo’s retirement will be a major talking point among football fans, especially considering the impact he has had on Portuguese football.
At 41, the forward has already achieved almost everything possible at international level. His goals, records, leadership and major trophies have helped establish him as one of the greatest players in the history of the game.
His departure will also create an important change for Portugal as the team prepares for the future without its most experienced and recognisable player.
For many, watching Portugal without Ronaldo will take some time to get used to. Although his international career is coming to an end, his football journey is not necessarily over.
His retirement from national team will give him more time to focus only on his Al-Nassr club in Saudi Arabia. His legacy with Portugal will remain difficult to match.
From his first appearance in 2003 to his record-breaking goals and major international trophies, he has given Portuguese football some unforgettable moments.
Cristiano Ronaldo may be preparing to say goodbye to the national team, but his name will remain part of Portugal’s football history for generations.
