Ronaldo retires from International Football

Portuguese football legend Cristiano Ronaldo announced his retirement from international football on Thursday, bringing an end to one of the most illustrious careers in the history of the game.

The 41-year-old forward, a five-time Ballon d'Or winner, bows out after 23 years with Portugal, holding the men's world records with 234 appearances and 146 goals for his country. He made his debut for his country in 2003.

Ronaldo announced his decision in a social media post, describing it as a difficult choice made with both his mind and heart as he prepares to pass on Portugal's number 7 shirt.

Reflecting on unforgettable victories, painful defeats, personal mistakes and suffering, he said he always pushed beyond his limits. He felt proud to represent millions of Portuguese people at home and abroad who felt closer to home for 90 minutes.

“Goals fade. Trophies end up in museums. Records are eventually broken. But there is something that time can never erase: the place we hold in people's hearts,” Ronaldo said. 

Ronaldo played his final match for Portugal in a 1–0 win over Wales in September before leaving the national camp early after remaining an unused substitute in the following game. He was fined €255 (£215; $286) and given a 30-day ban for the walkout. He apologised to teammates in a 1,740-word statement and vowed not to retire.

Although Ronaldo had spoken of pursuing another UEFA Nations League title, football writer Jack Lang noted that a rift with new coach Jorge Jesus appears to have convinced him to step away ahead of next week's squad announcement. 

He added that while questions had grown in recent seasons over whether Ronaldo's elevated status in the team remained justified, his role in raising Portuguese football's expectations cannot be understated.

He also urged young players to 'dare to dream' and never give up, adding that 'a country that keeps creating new heroes is a country that never stops believing in itself'.

Debuting four years before Lamine Yamal was born. Ronaldo represented Portugal at 12 major tournaments and scored 94 of his 146 goals after turning 30. 

He led Portugal to their first major title at Euro 2016, famously shouting instructions from the touchline after going off injured in the final against France. He also won the 2019 and 2025 Nations League trophies.

Earlier, Ronaldo confirmed that the 2026 World Cup tournament, a record sixth edition in which he appeared and scored, would be his last. He scored three goals in Portugal's round-of-16 exit at this summer's World Cup.

His departure follows that of his long-time rival Lionel Messi.

Source: The Athletic, Reuters