Ronaldo Retires From Portugal After 23 Years

Cristiano Ronaldo has ended his international football career after 23 years representing Portugal, announcing his retirement on Thursday, November 5, 2026. The 41-year-old forward made the decision following a dispute with coach Jorge Jesus over playing time, bringing an end to one of the most successful international careers in men's football.

According to ESPN, Ronaldo finishes his Portugal career with 146 goals in 234 appearances. Both figures represent men's international records, making him the leading goalscorer and appearance maker in the history of international football.

The announcement came one day before Jorge Jesus was scheduled to name Portugal's squad for upcoming UEFA Nations League matches against Denmark and Wales. Ronaldo's retirement also followed a 30-day suspension imposed by the Portuguese football federation after he left the national team during the previous international window.

Ronaldo announced his decision through an extended video published on Instagram, addressing Portuguese supporters and reflecting on his national team career.

"To the Portuguese people, the day has come to hand back the number seven shirt of the national team that belongs to us all. I never felt it was exclusively mine," Ronaldo said.

He recalled the responsibility of representing Portugal throughout more than two decades, explaining that wearing the national team's number seven shirt had been a privilege.

"But for 23 years I had the privilege and the responsibility of wearing it, defending it and taking it with me to stadiums all over the world. Today the time has come to hand it over to the future." Ronaldo said.

His departure followed disagreements with Jorge Jesus, his former coach at Al Nassr, concerning his role and playing time. Ronaldo had previously apologized to his teammates for leaving the national team but did not apologize to Jesus, whom he accused of breaking promises regarding his involvement.

"It was not an easy decision, because there are decisions that are not made solely with the head; they are also made with the heart," Ronaldo said.

Ronaldo's final appearance for Portugal came on September 24, when the team defeated Wales 1-0 in a Nations League match in Lisbon. On October 4, he remained an unused substitute for the first time in 18 years with the national team as Portugal defeated Norway 2-1.

Despite the circumstances surrounding his departure, Ronaldo leaves behind a record of major international achievements. He captained Portugal to the Euro 2016 title and the inaugural UEFA Nations League trophy three years later, before winning the competition again in 2025.

He also represented Portugal at his sixth World Cup during the summer, although the tournament title remained absent from his collection of achievements.

Reflecting on the beginning of his international journey in August 2003, Ronaldo described the emotional significance of representing his country beyond individual statistics and trophies.

"A journey that began in August 2003 and changed my life forever is coming to an end," Ronaldo said.

He emphasized the connection between the national team and Portuguese supporters, particularly those living abroad who found a sense of belonging through football.

"When I look back and think of everything I've experienced with the national team, I don't just see matches, goals, records or trophies. I see people. I see immigrants who, for 90 minutes, felt Portugal was a little bit closer.

I see millions of Portuguese people whom I've never met in person, but who have been part of my life. Because, at the end of the day, football is so much more than just a game. Football is about the people.

Throughout my entire career with the national team, I've strived to push my limits. I wanted to win, I wanted to be the best, I wanted to make history."

Ronaldo also acknowledged the disappointments and challenges he experienced during his international career, while reaffirming his commitment to Portugal.

"I've always been hard on myself. I've always wanted more; I've always believed we could go further. And I gave everything I had for this shirt.

There were perfect afternoons and evenings; there were victories I'll never forget. There were defeats that I still find hard to recall today. I also failed, I also suffered, and there were moments when I wasn't able to give the Portuguese people what they so desperately wanted.

But I never gave up. And above all, I never stopped feeling proud to represent Portugal."

He reflected on the lasting importance of supporters and the memories created throughout his career, placing those connections above individual records.

"Over the years, I've learnt some very simple things. Goals come and go, trophies end up in museums, and records are eventually broken. But there is one thing that time can never erase: the place we hold in people's hearts.

If I ever made you happy, if one of my goals ever made you hug someone, forget your worries, and feel nothing but pride in our country, then it was all worth it. Because that's what being Portuguese is all about. We suffer together, we rise together."

Ronaldo also recognized the contribution of the players and coaching staff who accompanied him throughout his international career.

"No captain walks alone and you're all part of my story," Ronaldo said.

Looking toward Portugal's future, he highlighted the importance of developing younger players and maintaining the national team's ambitions.

"Portugal will always need young people who dream, players who never give up, new generations who believe it's possible to reach places no one has reached before. Because a country that continues to create new heroes is a country that never stops believing in itself," Ronaldo added.

Following the announcement, former clubs Manchester United, Sporting CP and Juventus joined tributes recognizing his international career. His retirement also came less than one month after Lionel Messi played his final match for Argentina.