Cristiano Ronaldo has called time on his 23-year international career with Portugal, bringing an end to an era defined by record breaking goalscoring, major trophies and, in its final months, a reported fallout with head coach Jorge Jesus. The 41 year old forward announced his retirement from international football through an emotional video message on Instagram on Thursday, saying it was time to hand over Portugal iconic number seven jersey to the next generation. The announcement closes a career that began in August 2003 and changed the identity of Portuguese football.
Why it matters
The numbers are without parallel in the men game. Ronaldo finished with 146 goals in 234 appearances, making him the highest goalscorer and most capped player in men international football. He represented Portugal at six World Cups and six European Championships, won the European Championship in 2016, and added Nations League trophies in 2019 and 2025. At the 2026 World Cup, hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, he scored three goals as Portugal reached the knockout stages before being eliminated by eventual champions Spain in the round of 16.
The farewell was clouded by the dispute that preceded it. Ronaldo reportedly had a falling out with new head coach Jorge Jesus after being left out of the starting line up during the September international window, and the disagreement escalated when he left the team training camp after being an unused substitute against Norway and learning that he would not start against Denmark. The Portuguese Football Federation subsequently handed him a suspension and a fine. His final appearance came on September 24, in a 1-0 home victory over Wales in the Nations League.
What happens next
In his farewell message, Ronaldo described wearing Portugal number seven jersey as a privilege and responsibility that had defined much of his career. He said that today the time has come to give it to the future, and that a journey that began in August 2003 and changed his life forever has come to an end. He added that he leaves with his head held high, with pride in the path he took, and with the awareness that he gave everything he had for Portugal. The Portuguese Football Federation thanked its eternal captain and said it intended to organise a fitting tribute to his immense career.
Ronaldo is not retiring from professional football. He remains contracted to Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr until June 2027 and is expected to continue his club career, chasing a 1,000th career goal. His retirement comes after long time rival Lionel Messi ended his international career with Argentina last month following a much anticipated farewell match. On Friday Portugal are set to announce their squad for November Nations League fixtures, against Denmark at home and Wales away, in the first fixtures of the post Cristiano Ronaldo era. The shirt will be worn by someone else. The records will stand for a generation.
