Portuguese football legend Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football, bringing his 23-year career with the national team to an end.
The 41-year-old forward announced his decision in a video posted on Instagram on Thursday, November 5, saying he would step away from international duty after the November break.
Ronaldo, who made his Portugal debut in August 2003, scored 146 goals in 234 appearances for his country, setting world records for the most goals and appearances in men’s international football.
“To the Portuguese people, the day has come for me to hand back the number seven shirt of our national team,” he said.
The former Manchester United and Real Madrid star described the decision as difficult, saying he had worn the national team’s famous number seven shirt with pride and responsibility for more than two decades.
Ronaldo helped Portugal win their first major international trophy at the 2016 European Championship and subsequently lifted the UEFA Nations League title in 2019 and 2025.
His announcement comes weeks after he left the Portugal camp following a disagreement over his place in the starting line-up for a Nations League match against Denmark.
The Al-Nassr forward said his international journey, which began in August 2003, had changed his life forever.
