Cristiano Ronaldo Retires From Portugal After 23-Year Career
Cristiano Ronaldo has ended his 23-year international career with Portugal, confirming his retirement from national team duty following the November international break. The 41-year-old forward steps away from the squad as men’s international football‘s all-time leading goalscorer and most-capped player.
Ronaldo recorded 146 goals across 234 appearances after making his senior international debut in August 2003. Across two decades with the national team, he set a tournament record as the first player in soccer history to score in six different FIFA World Cups. His tenure yielded Portugal‘s most significant silverware, anchored by the UEFA European Championship victory in 2016 and subsequent UEFA Nations League titles in 2019 and 2025.
In an emotional farewell message shared on social media, the former Real Madrid striker thanked his teammates, coaches, family, and Portuguese supporters. He noted that the choice wasn’t made with the mind alone, describing a journey that began more than twenty years ago. Ronaldo confirmed he will hand back Portugal’s iconic No. 7 shirt once the November international fixtures conclude.
While his national team career is finished, Ronaldo’s club commitments continue in the Saudi Pro League. He remains signed with Al Nassr under a contract running through 2027, maintaining a scoring pace that leaves him 15 goals away from a 1,000-goal career milestone.
