Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football after 23 years with the national team.
Cristiano Ronaldo revealed the decision on Thursday, November 5, 2026, in a video posted on his social media platforms, in which he read from a letter reflecting on his international career.
“The day has come for me to hand back the number 7 shirt of our national team,” he said. “I never thought it belonged to me alone. But for 23 years, I had the privilege and the responsibility of wearing it.”
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The 41-year-old described the decision as a difficult one, adding that if his performances in the Portugal shirt had brought happiness to supporters or made them proud of their country, then it had all been worthwhile.
“It was not an easy decision, because there are decisions that are not made only with the head. They are also made with the heart. If I ever made you happy, if one of my goals ever made you hug someone, forget a worry or feel proud of our country, then it was all worth it.”
Ronaldo’s retirement comes after a reported fallout with Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus, which resulted in a 30-day suspension that had already been served and a fine of 255 euros.
The punishment was imposed after Ronaldo reportedly left the team’s training camp without permission following his omission from the starting line-up.
His final appearance for Portugal came against Wales on September 24, 2026.
Over the course of a 23-year international career, Ronaldo led Portugal to its first major title at Euro 2016 before adding UEFA Nations League triumphs in 2019 and 2025.
Cristiano Ronaldo ends his international career with 146 goals in 234 appearances, leaving as Portugal’s all-time leading scorer and one of the most influential figures in the nation’s football history.