Portugal’s greatest ever, Cristiano Ronaldo, has announced his International retirement on Thursday. The talismanic striker called time on his Portuguese career after serving the national team for 23 years. Ronaldo made the announcement on his social media handle after a fall-out with coach Jorge Jesus during the UEFA Nations League.
The forward scored 146 goals in 234 games for Portugal, making him the leading men’s international goalscorer and appearance maker.
“To the Portuguese people, the day has come to hand back the number seven shirt of the national team that belongs to us all. I never felt it was exclusively mine,” Ronaldo said in a lengthy video posted on Instagram.
“But for 23 years I had the privilege and the responsibility of wearing it, defending it and taking it with me to stadiums all over the world. Today the time has come to hand it over to the future.
“It was not an easy decision, because there are decisions that are not made solely with the head; they are also made with the heart.”
Ronaldo was handed a 30-day suspension that was handed down by his country’s football federation after he had decided to walk out of the national team. The 41-year-old dedicated his career to the Portuguese people.
“A journey that began in August 2003 and changed my life forever is coming to an end,” he said. “When I look back and think of everything I’ve experienced with the national team, I don’t just see matches, goals, records or trophies. I see people. I see immigrants who, for 90 minutes, felt Portugal was a little bit closer.
“I see millions of Portuguese people whom I’ve never met in person, but who have been part of my life. Because, at the end of the day, football is so much more than just a game. Football is about the people. Throughout my entire career with the national team, I’ve strived to push my limits. I wanted to win, I wanted to be the best, I wanted to make history.
Ronaldo led Portugal to glory in Euro 2016. He also led the national team to triumph in the inaugural edition of the UEFA Nations League and once again took the team to success in the 2025 edition of the Nations League.
