Cristiano Ronaldo Announces Retirement from International Football After 23-Year Career
Ronaldo Bids Farewell to International Football
Cristiano Ronaldo, widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers in history, has officially retired from international football, concluding a remarkable 23-year career. The 41-year-old forward shared an emotional video on social media, announcing his departure from the Portugal national team. Ronaldo holds the record for the most appearances in men's international football, with 234 matches, and has scored an impressive 146 goals. He also confirmed that he will be passing on the iconic number 7 jersey to the next generation. However, his final chapter was marred by recent controversies involving head coach Jorge Jesus.
A Heartfelt Farewell
In his farewell message, Ronaldo expressed gratitude to his Portuguese supporters, family, and teammates, stating that he leaves with his head held high, knowing he gave everything for his country. The controversy began during a Nations League match against Norway in September when Ronaldo remained on the bench for the entire game, leading to statements from the coach that sparked further disputes. Following this, he left the training camp in Copenhagen, for which he later apologized. The Portuguese Football Federation imposed a 30-day suspension on him due to this incident. Although Ronaldo initially planned to retire after the 2026 World Cup, recent events prompted him to make this decision sooner.
A Legacy of Achievements
Ronaldo made his international debut in August 2003 against Kazakhstan. Throughout his illustrious career, he has led Portugal to several historic achievements, including winning the Euro 2016 title, the inaugural Nations League trophy in 2019, and a second Nations League title in 2025. He is also the only player to have scored in six different FIFA World Cup editions, including the upcoming 2026 tournament. While winning the World Cup remains an unfulfilled dream, his journey, marked by 146 goals in 234 matches, three major international trophies, and countless records, will forever be etched in the annals of Portuguese football. Ronaldo will now focus on club football, where he is nearing the milestone of 1,000 career goals, currently standing at 979.