Cristiano Ronaldo Announces Retirement From International Football
Portuguese football legend Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to a 23-year career with the national team.
The 41-year-old forward made the announcement in an emotional video shared on his social media accounts on Thursday, saying he would hand over Portugal’s iconic number seven shirt after the November international break.
“The day has come for me to hand back the number 7 shirt of our national team,” Ronaldo said.
He added that wearing the shirt for 23 years had been a privilege and responsibility, describing his decision to step away as difficult.
“Today, the time has come to pass it on to the future. It was not an easy decision, because some decisions are not made with the mind alone. They are also made with the heart,” he said.
Ronaldo, who made his senior international debut in August 2003, reflected on a journey he said had changed his life, thanking the Portuguese people, his teammates, coaches and everyone who supported him throughout his career.
“A journey that began in August 2003 and changed my life forever has come to an end. When I look back at everything with the national team, I don’t just see the matches, goals, records or trophies.
“I see people. I see the Portuguese people living abroad who, for 90 minutes, felt a little closer to home. I see millions of Portuguese people I have never met but who became part of my life. Because at the end of the day, football is so much bigger than a game. Football is about people,” he said.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner also acknowledged the setbacks and disappointments he experienced while representing his country, insisting that he had always given his best.
“I made mistakes. I suffered. There were also moments when I couldn’t 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 added.
Ronaldo leaves the national team as the highest-scoring player in men’s international football, with 146 goals in 234 appearances. He also holds the record for the most international appearances in men’s football.
His international career began on August 20, 2003, against Kazakhstan, before he featured at the 2004 European Championship, where Portugal finished runners-up after losing the final to Greece.
He later captained Portugal to its first major international trophy at Euro 2016, despite being forced off injured during the final against France.
Portugal subsequently won the UEFA Nations League in 2019 and 2025, with Ronaldo playing key roles in both triumphs.
Beyond international football, Ronaldo established himself as one of the most decorated players in the sport, winning five Ballon d’Or awards and five UEFA Champions League titles.
He has also won league titles in England, Spain and Italy, playing for clubs including Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus.
By Oluwafemi Shodipe.
