After more than two decades of wearing Portugal’s colors, football icon Cristiano Ronaldo has officially retired from international football at 41, closing a historic chapter that began in August 2003.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner announced his decision on November 5, 2026, ending his national team career with 234 appearances and 146 goals—both all-time records in men’s international football. Ronaldo also represented Portugal in six World Cups, becoming the first player to score in all six editions.
His international career delivered some of Portugal’s biggest football triumphs, including the 2016 UEFA European Championship and UEFA Nations League titles in 2019 and 2025. However, his final months with the national team were marked by a disagreement with head coach Jorge Jesus, followed by Ronaldo’s departure from a training camp and a 30-day suspension from the Portuguese Football Federation.
In an emotional farewell shared on social media, Ronaldo reflected on the victories, defeats, and sacrifices of representing his country, acknowledging that stepping away was a difficult decision. The Portuguese Football Federation expressed its gratitude for his contributions and announced plans to organize a tribute honoring his remarkable international career.
While his journey with Portugal has reached its final whistle, Ronaldo is not hanging up his boots just yet. The football superstar will continue playing for Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr, leaving behind a national team legacy defined by record-breaking performances, championship victories, and 23 years of representing Portugal on the world stage.
Image from Stephanie Scarbrough/AP