Cristiano Ronaldo retires from International Football after 23-year career

Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to an extraordinary 23-year career with Portugal, during which he established himself as the country’s greatest goalscorer and men’s international football’s all-time leading scorer.

The 41-year-old Al Nassr forward confirmed his decision on Thursday, November 5, 2026, saying he would bring his international journey to a close after Portugal’s November fixtures.

Ronaldo leaves the national team with an unprecedented record of 146 goals in 234 appearances, having represented Portugal since making his senior international debut against Kazakhstan on August 20, 2003.

In an emotional farewell message, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner reflected on his journey, expressing pride in representing his country and thanking the teammates, coaches, family members and supporters who accompanied him throughout his career.

He described his international journey as one built on commitment, sacrifice and the desire to make Portugal proud, adding that the country would always remain part of him.

Ronaldo’s greatest achievement with Portugal came at the 2016 UEFA European Championship in France, where he captained his country to its first major international trophy.

Although he was forced off injured during the final against France after just 25 minutes, Portugal defeated the hosts 1-0 after extra time, with Éder scoring the decisive goal.

He subsequently added another major international honour by helping Portugal win the inaugural UEFA Nations League in 2019, before captaining the team to a second title in 2025.

The latter triumph came after Portugal defeated Spain on penalties in the final, with Ronaldo scoring during the match.

His international career also included six FIFA World Cup appearances, from Germany 2006 to the 2026 tournament, making him the first male player to participate in six editions of the competition.

Beyond his achievements with Portugal, Ronaldo leaves behind an exceptional collection of individual awards and club honours.

He won the prestigious Ballon d’Or five times, in 2008, 2013, 2014, 2016 and 2017, recognising his outstanding performances at Manchester United and Real Madrid.

He also collected four European Golden Shoe awards, recognising him as Europe’s leading domestic league goalscorer, and twice received The Best FIFA Men’s Player award, in 2016 and 2017.

At club level, his trophy collection includes five UEFA Champions League titles, three Premier League championships with Manchester United, two La Liga titles with Real Madrid and two Serie A titles with Juventus.

During his nine-year spell at Real Madrid between 2009 and 2018, he became the club’s all-time leading goalscorer, registering 451 goals in 438 competitive appearances.

His announcement comes weeks after a disagreement with Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus during the September-October international break.

The dispute followed Ronaldo’s omission from the starting line-up against Norway, after which he left the national team camp.

He subsequently accused the coach of breaking promises concerning his playing time.

Ronaldo apologised to his teammates and Portuguese supporters for leaving the camp, while accepting responsibility for his actions.

The Portuguese Football Federation subsequently handed him a 30-day suspension and a fine.

Despite the controversy, his retirement marks the conclusion of an era in Portuguese football.