Cristiano Ronaldo Ends Long International Career With Portuguese National Team

Cristiano Ronaldo announced his retirement from international football on Thursday, ending a historic 23-year career with the Portuguese national team following the conclusion of the November international fixtures.

The 41-year-old forward exits the international stage as the all-time leader in appearances and goals, having recorded 146 goals in 234 matches since his debut in August 2003.

Ronaldo confirmed his departure through a social media post, stating his intention to return his number 7 shirt after the current international break concludes.

His decision marks the conclusion of an era that saw him captain Portugal to their first European Championship title in 2016 and secure UEFA Nations League victories in 2019 and 2025.

"To the Portuguese people, the day has come for me to hand back the number seven shirt of our national team," Ronaldo said in an Instagram video.

The forward added, "I never felt it belonged to me alone, but for 23 years I had the privilege and responsibility of wearing it, defending it and carrying it with me."

Ronaldo holds the record as the first player to score in six different editions of the FIFA World Cup, spanning from 2006 through the 2026 tournament.

He also remains the top goalscorer in European Championship history with 14 goals across six separate tournaments.

The BBC reported that Ronaldo had previously left the Portuguese camp last month after being informed he would not start in a Nations League match against Denmark.

"It was not an easy decision, because some decisions are not made with the mind alone - they are also made with the heart," Ronaldo said.

The player concluded his statement by noting that a journey which began in 2003 and altered his life permanently has reached its final point.

It remains unclear who will inherit the number 7 jersey or how the Portuguese team will adjust its roster following the departure of its long-time captain.