Guwahati: Portuguese football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to a remarkable 23-year career with Portugal that saw him establish himself as the most-capped player and highest goalscorer in men’s international football.

The 41-year-old Al Nassr forward announced his decision through an emotional video shared on social media on Thursday, November 5, saying he would hand over Portugal’s iconic No. 7 shirt to the next generation after the November international fixtures.

Ronaldo made his international debut in August 2003 and leaves the national team with an extraordinary record of 234 appearances and 146 goals. Both figures remain men’s international football records. Reuters+1

In his farewell message, Ronaldo reflected on the sacrifices, disappointments and achievements that shaped his journey with the national team. He also expressed gratitude to his family, teammates, coaches and supporters who stood by him throughout his international career.

“Today my journey on the pitch with the national team comes to an end. I leave with my head held high, proud of the path I walked and with the awareness that I gave everything I had for Portugal,” Ronaldo said.

He added that wearing the national team’s No. 7 shirt for 23 years had been both a privilege and a responsibility, while expressing his enduring attachment to Portugal.

The announcement follows a difficult period involving Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus, with whom Ronaldo had a public disagreement over his role in the team.

Fallout with Jorge Jesus preceded retirement announcement

Ronaldo’s announcement comes weeks after tensions emerged between him and head coach Jorge Jesus over his involvement in Portugal’s Nations League campaign.

The disagreement became public during Portugal’s 2-1 Nations League victory over Norway on September 27, when Ronaldo remained on the bench throughout the match.

Ronaldo later claimed that he had initially been told he would be rested for the away fixtures against Norway and Denmark as part of a fitness-management plan. However, he alleged that Jesus subsequently indicated he would get around 30 minutes against Norway.

The forward said he warmed up from half-time expecting to enter the match but was never brought on. He was also unhappy with the coach’s subsequent comments to the media, claiming they contradicted an earlier understanding between them.

The situation escalated ahead of Portugal’s next fixture against Denmark, when Ronaldo left the national team camp in Copenhagen following discussions with Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença.

The decision attracted criticism in Portugal, particularly because of his position as captain. Ronaldo subsequently apologised to his teammates and supporters, acknowledging that leaving the camp had been a mistake.

The Portuguese Football Federation imposed a 30-day suspension and a fine of 255 euros. However, Ronaldo had maintained that he remained available for national team selection after serving the punishment.

Although the disagreement became a major talking point surrounding his international future, Ronaldo has not directly attributed his retirement decision to the dispute with Jesus.

Ronaldo’s remarkable achievements with Portugal

Ronaldo’s international journey began in August 2003 against Kazakhstan. At just 19, he represented Portugal at Euro 2004, where the hosts reached the final before suffering a defeat against Greece.

He subsequently became one of the central figures in Portuguese football, leading the national team through several major international tournaments.

His defining achievement came at Euro 2016 in France. Although an injury forced him off during the final against France in the first half, Ronaldo continued encouraging his teammates from the sidelines as Portugal secured a 1-0 victory through Éder’s extra-time goal.

It was Portugal’s first European Championship title.

Three years later, Ronaldo helped Portugal win the inaugural UEFA Nations League in 2019. He scored a hat-trick against Switzerland in the semi-finals before Portugal defeated the Netherlands in the final.

He added another Nations League title in 2025, scoring against Spain in the final before Portugal secured victory in a penalty shootout. Reuters+1

Some of his major international records and achievements include:

  • International appearances: 234, the highest in men’s international football.
  • International goals: 146, the highest by any male player.
  • Euro 2016: Captained Portugal to its first European Championship title.
  • Nations League: Won the competition in 2019 and 2025.
  • European Championship: Holds the records for most goals (14) and appearances (30).
  • World Cup: Became the first player to score at six different editions of the tournament in 2026.

The World Cup title that eluded Ronaldo

Despite his extraordinary achievements, winning the FIFA World Cup remained the one major international honour missing from Ronaldo’s collection.

Portugal’s best World Cup performance during his international career came in 2006, when the team reached the semi-finals.

Subsequent campaigns brought mixed results, including quarter-final elimination against Morocco in 2022 and a round-of-16 exit against Spain in 2026.

Nevertheless, Ronaldo’s influence on Portuguese football extended well beyond trophies and individual records. He became the face of the national team across generations and helped establish Portugal as a consistent contender in international football.

From the teenager who experienced heartbreak in the Euro 2004 final to the captain who eventually lifted the European Championship trophy in 2016, his career reflected more than two decades of Portuguese football history.

What next for Cristiano Ronaldo?

Although his international career is coming to an end, Ronaldo’s professional football journey is not over. The Al Nassr forward continues to pursue the milestone of reaching 1,000 career goals.

His retirement means Portugal will have to move forward without the player who has led its attack and carried its No. 7 shirt for more than two decades.

Ronaldo leaves behind 234 international appearances, 146 goals, one European Championship and two Nations League titles.

The records may eventually be broken, but his contribution to Portuguese football will remain a defining part of the country’s sporting history.