Portuguese football icon Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football, bringing the curtain down on an extraordinary 23-year career with the Portugal national team.
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The 41-year-old forward confirmed the decision in an emotional statement shared on his official social media accounts on Thursday, November 5, 2026, revealing that he is formally handing over Portugal’s iconic number seven jersey after a journey he described as life-changing.
Reflecting on his time with the national team, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner noted that he consistently pushed himself to achieve more while representing his country, despite disappointments and setbacks along the way. He added that his experience went beyond trophies and matches, highlighting the connection he shared with Portuguese supporters worldwide.
Ronaldo retires from international duty as the highest-scoring player in men’s international football history, having netted 146 goals in 234 appearances. He also leaves as the most-capped male international footballer of all time, having surpassed Kuwait’s Bader Al-Mutawa’s previous appearance record.
During his international career, Ronaldo captained Portugal to its first major international trophy at Euro 2016, alongside two UEFA Nations League titles. Earlier in 2026, he also became the first male player in history to score at six different FIFA World Cup tournaments.
While stepping away from international football, Ronaldo will continue his club career in Saudi Arabia with Al-Nassr, where he remains under contract until June 2027.
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