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Cristiano Ronaldo has announced plans to retire from international football after the November 2026 international break, bringing an end to a remarkable 23-year career with the Portugal national team.
The 41-year-old forward confirmed his decision in a video shared on social media on Thursday, November 5, saying he was ready to hand over Portugal’s iconic number seven shirt to the next generation.
Ronaldo leaves the national team as men’s international football’s record appearance holder and highest goalscorer, with 234 appearances and 146 goals.
In his farewell message, the Al Nassr forward described wearing Portugal’s number seven shirt as both a privilege and a responsibility.
“The day has come for me to hand back the number 7 shirt of our national team,” he said.
He added that although the shirt never belonged to him alone, he had enjoyed the privilege of wearing and defending it for 23 years.
“Today, the time has come to pass it on to the future. 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.
A career that began in 2003
Ronaldo made his senior international debut for Portugal on August 20, 2003, in a friendly against Kazakhstan.
He scored his first international goal at the 2004 European Championship against Greece, beginning a goalscoring journey that would eventually establish him as the leading scorer in men’s international football.
His 146 goals put him ahead of Argentina captain Lionel Messi, who has scored 126 international goals.
Ronaldo also holds the record for the most appearances in men’s international football, having surpassed Kuwait’s Bader Al-Mutawa.
His goalscoring achievements include 41 goals in World Cup qualifiers, another 41 in European Championship qualifying matches, 14 goals at European Championship finals and 11 at the FIFA World Cup.
He also recorded 10 international hat-tricks and scored in 23 consecutive calendar years, beginning in 2004.
Three major trophies with Portugal
Ronaldo’s international career was highlighted by three major tournament victories with Portugal.
His most significant achievement came at Euro 2016, where he captained Portugal to its first European Championship title.
Portugal defeated France 1-0 after extra time in the final, despite Ronaldo being forced off with an injury during the first half.
He later led the national team to UEFA Nations League titles in 2019 and 2025, further cementing his place in the country’s football history.
Ronaldo also featured in six European Championships and six FIFA World Cups, becoming one of the most experienced players in the history of international football.
Ronaldo reflects on his Portugal journey
Reflecting on his time with the national team, Ronaldo said his memories went beyond goals, records, matches and trophies.
He highlighted the connection he built with Portuguese supporters around the world, including those living abroad who felt closer to home whenever the national team played.
His departure will mark the end of an era for Portugal, with the forward having represented the country for more than two decades.
With 234 appearances, 146 goals and three major international trophies, Ronaldo leaves behind records that will set a significant benchmark for future generations of Portuguese footballers.
