Cristiano Ronaldo Retires from International Football at 41 After 23 Years with Portugal
Portuguese football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to a remarkable 23-year career with Portugal’s national team.
The 41-year-old confirmed his decision on Thursday, November 5, 2026, through an emotional video shared on Instagram. In the video, Ronaldo read a farewell message to Portuguese supporters, reflecting on his journey, achievements and experiences representing his country.
He described the decision as difficult, explaining that wearing Portugal’s national team shirt and serving as captain had been one of the greatest privileges of his career.
Ronaldo said the time had come to hand over the shirt and captain’s armband to the next generation after first representing Portugal in August 2003.
Looking back on more than two decades with the national team, the forward said his memories went beyond goals, trophies and records. He highlighted the supporters, teammates and people who shared the journey with him.
The Al Nassr striker also acknowledged the difficult moments, including painful defeats and occasions when he could not deliver the results Portuguese fans wanted. However, he insisted that he never stopped feeling proud of representing his country.
He thanked his teammates, coaches, medical staff, administrators and family for their contributions and sacrifices throughout his international career.
In his message, Ronaldo also encouraged Portugal’s younger generation of footballers to dream big, work hard and continue pushing the country forward.
He concluded by describing the national anthem as a powerful moment that united Portuguese people regardless of their backgrounds, professions or personal differences.
Ronaldo’s historic achievements with Portugal
Cristiano Ronaldo retires from international football with an outstanding record of 146 goals in 234 appearances for Portugal.
Since making his senior debut in 2003, he has become the country’s most recognisable football figure and one of the most successful international players in the history of the game.
His greatest achievements with Portugal include captaining the country to victory at the 2016 European Championship in France and the 2019 UEFA Nations League.
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Ronaldo also represented Portugal at five FIFA World Cups and six European Championships, maintaining his place as a central figure in the national team across several generations.
His international career was marked by numerous individual records, major tournament appearances and memorable performances that helped shape Portugal’s modern football history.
Retirement follows reported tension with Portugal coach
The announcement also comes after a period of reported tension between Ronaldo and Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus.
According to the source report, the disagreement followed Ronaldo’s decision to speak publicly after being left on the bench during Portugal’s Nations League victory over Norway in September 2026.
The forward had previously maintained that he remained available for national team selection despite the situation.
However, his latest announcement confirms that he has now decided to bring his international career to a close.
Although his time with Portugal has ended, Ronaldo leaves behind a legacy built on goals, leadership, major international honours and more than two decades of service to his country.
