Cristiano Ronaldo announced on Thursday that he is retiring from the Portugal national team, ending a 23-year international career that produced 234 appearances and 146 goals.
The 41-year-old forward said he was "handing back the number 7 shirt" in a video message on social media. He made his debut in August 2003 and holds the men's all-time records for international appearances and goals. "It was not an easy decision, because there are decisions that are not made only with the head," Ronaldo said. "They are also made with the heart," he added, thanking his family, the Portuguese people and his teammates, and captioned the video: "Portugal will always be a part of me."
The announcement followed a falling-out with coach Jorge Jesus. Ronaldo left the Portugal camp at the end of September without permission ahead of a Nations League match against Denmark. He later cited broken promises from Jesus as the reason for his departure. The Portuguese Football Federation suspended him for 30 days and fined him €255 after he apologized.
Ronaldo's final appearance for Portugal came on Sept. 24 in a 1-0 home win over Wales in the Nations League. His final international tournament was the 2026 World Cup, where Portugal lost 1-0 to Spain in the last 16. He captained Portugal to their first major trophy at Euro 2016 and won the Nations League in 2019 and 2025. A five-time Ballon d'Or winner, he is the first player to score in six different World Cup editions.
Jesus told Canal 11 on Thursday that he had asked Ronaldo to stay. "I asked him to stay, to stay with me because I needed him to be by my side, but I have to accept his decision," the coach said. Teammate Bruno Fernandes called Ronaldo an "inspiration" and his "childhood idol." Prime Minister Luis Montenegro said Ronaldo's achievements would "echo through eternity."
The Portuguese Football Federation expressed "profound and eternal gratitude" for Ronaldo's services and said it would organize a tribute. FIFA president Gianni Infantino thanked him for inspiring generations. Former Portugal coach Fernando Santos said Ronaldo would leave a footprint that "will never be erased." Ronaldo will continue playing at club level with Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, where he has scored 985 career goals and is pursuing his 1,000th.
