Football legend Cristiano Ronaldo has officially announced his retirement from the Portuguese national team, bringing an extraordinary 23-year international career to an emotional end.
One of football's greatest chapters is coming to a close.
At 41, Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has announced that he will no longer represent Portugal at international level, ending a journey that began in August 2003 and produced unforgettable moments, historic records and major trophies.
Ronaldo made the announcement on Thursday, November 5, 2026, through an emotional video shared on his official Instagram account.
Reflecting on his remarkable journey, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner said it was time to hand over Portugal's iconic No. 7 shirt to the next generation.
"The day has come to return the number 7 shirt to the national team, which belongs to all of us. I have never felt that it was exclusively mine, but for 23 years I have had the privilege and responsibility of wearing it," Ronaldo said.
The announcement marks the end of more than two decades of commitment to his country, during which he became the face of Portuguese football and a global sporting icon.
Ronaldo's Historic Records for Portugal
Ronaldo leaves the national team with an incredible international record.
He made 234 appearances for Portugal and scored 146 goals, making him the most-capped player and the highest-scoring men's international footballer in history.
His international journey included six FIFA World Cup appearances, from Germany 2006 to the 2026 tournament, making him the first player to score at six different editions of the competition.
One of the biggest highlights of his career came in 2016, when he captained Portugal to its first-ever UEFA European Championship title.
He also helped the country win the UEFA Nations League in 2019 and 2025, further cementing his legacy in Portuguese football.
Retirement Comes After Disciplinary Action
Ronaldo's announcement follows disciplinary action by the Portuguese Football Federation.
The federation's Disciplinary Committee reportedly handed him a 30-day suspension and a €255 fine, the minimum penalty under the applicable regulations, following an incident involving his departure from Portugal's training camp on September 30.
Although the circumstances surrounding his departure attracted attention, Ronaldo's retirement announcement now brings his international career into a new chapter.
A Football Career Still Chasing 1,000 Goals
While his time with Portugal is coming to an end, Ronaldo has not announced his retirement from professional club football.
The Al-Nassr forward remains active in Saudi Arabia and continues pursuing another remarkable milestone: reaching 1,000 career goals.
He has scored 985 goals across his professional career, putting him within touching distance of a record few footballers could ever imagine achieving.
Ronaldo is also the UEFA Champions League's all-time leading scorer, with 140 goals from his appearances for Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus.
The End of an Era
From his early days as a young talent to becoming Portugal's captain and one of the most recognisable athletes in the world, Ronaldo's journey has been defined by determination, ambition and an extraordinary hunger for success.
His retirement from international football will undoubtedly leave a huge gap in the Portuguese national team.
However, his influence goes beyond goals, trophies and individual awards. For millions of football fans, Ronaldo represents an era of unforgettable competition, historic rivalries and moments that helped shape modern football.
The No. 7 shirt may eventually belong to another Portuguese star, but the legacy attached to Ronaldo's name will remain difficult to replace.
Cristiano Ronaldo may be handing back Portugal's No. 7 shirt, but he is certainly not handing back his place in football history.
What a journey. What a legacy. SIUUU!
Source: EFE, Reuters