Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from Portugal’s national team, ending 23 years of international soccer. The 41-year-old delivered the news in a video posted November 5, addressing the Portuguese supporters who had followed his career.
He leaves with 234 senior appearances and 146 goals, both men’s international records, according to FIFA.
His club career will continue. Ronaldo remains an Al Nassr player in Saudi Arabia, where he is pursuing the milestone of 1,000 goals across his professional career.
The announcement came a day before Portugal coach Jorge Jesus was due to name his next squad. The national team’s remaining Nations League group fixtures are against Denmark and Wales.
Ronaldo Hands Back the No. 7 Shirt in His Farewell Message
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“Today the time has come to pass it on to the future,” Ronaldo said of his national-team shirt, in FIFA’s English translation of the message. He described the decision as difficult, guided by emotion as well as practical considerations.
He thanked his family for accepting the absences and sacrifices that accompanied international duty. His acknowledgments extended to teammates, coaches, medical staff and the people working behind the scenes whose contributions rarely appeared in photographs.
Ronaldo also spoke about Portuguese supporters living abroad, for whom a match could offer a connection to home. He recalled looking around during the national anthem and seeing families in the stands, describing those minutes as a time when differences between supporters gave way to their shared loyalty to Portugal.
His Dispute With Jorge Jesus Began During the September International Break
Ronaldo remained an unused substitute in Portugal’s 2-1 victory over Norway on September 27, a date confirmed by the Norwegian federation‘s match record. He left Portugal’s camp on September 30, the day before its game against Denmark.
In an October 6 statement, Ronaldo said Jesus had broken promises about his involvement, including an assurance that he would play against Norway. He had warmed up but was never called onto the field. Jesus denied making an agreement about playing time, as Sky Sports reported.
Ronaldo apologized to his teammates and Portuguese supporters for leaving, acknowledging that he should not have walked out. At that stage, he said he remained available for selection. The federation subsequently imposed a 30-day suspension and a €255 fine; the suspension had been served by the time he announced his retirement.
Speaking to Canal 11 on November 5, Jesus said he had asked Ronaldo to continue before naming his first Portugal squad because he wanted the forward alongside him. He said he now had to accept the player’s decision, according to RTP. The coach also revealed that he had arranged for a large photograph of Ronaldo to be displayed in the team’s auditorium as an example for younger players.
Portugal Promises a Farewell Tribute for Its Former Captain
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Ronaldo made his senior debut against Kazakhstan in August 2003, replacing Luis Figo at halftime when he was 18. He went on to captain Portugal to its first major international title at Euro 2016 and to Nations League victories in 2019 and 2025.
He scored at six World Cups, finishing with 11 goals across those tournaments, including three at this year’s competition. His final World Cup ended with Portugal’s 1-0 defeat to Spain in the round of 16.
The Portuguese Football Federation responded to his announcement by praising his leadership and the generations of players he had inspired. In a statement reproduced by ge, it committed to helping organize a tribute that would allow supporters to celebrate his career. The statement did not specify a date, venue or whether the occasion would include a farewell match.