Ronaldo Ends 23-Year International Career With 146 Goals
The 41-year-old forward will retire from national duty following a dispute with Portugal's new manager, though he plans to continue playing for Al Nassr.
By Jasmine Carter ·
Cristiano Ronaldo announced on Thursday that he is retiring from international football, ending a 23-year run that included 146 goals in 234 appearances for Portugal. The 41-year-old forward made the decision after a dispute with manager Jorge Jesus, who took charge of the national team recently. Ronaldo stated in a video posted on Instagram that the day has arrived to hand back the number seven shirt, noting that the decision was made with both head and heart.
The announcement was made one day before Jesus was scheduled to name the squad for upcoming Nations League matches against Denmark and Wales. This timing follows a 30-day suspension handed down by the Portuguese football federation, which punished Ronaldo for walking out of the national team during the previous international break. The walkout occurred after a disagreement with Jesus over playing time. Ronaldo apologized to his teammates for the exit but did not apologize to Jesus, accusing the former Al Nassr coach of breaking promises.
Ronaldo's final appearance for Portugal came on Sept. 24, a 1-0 victory over Wales in Lisbon. He was an unused substitute for the first time in 18 years during a 2-1 win at Norway on Oct. 4. His international career includes leading Portugal to the Euro 2016 title, the inaugural UEFA Nations League trophy, and a repeat victory in the same competition in 2025. He competed in his sixth World Cup this summer, though the tournament title remains absent from his record.
In his farewell address, Ronaldo described his journey as one that began in August 2003 and changed his life. He emphasized that his legacy lies in the people he represented, including immigrants and fans who felt closer to Portugal during matches. He acknowledged his failures and the difficulty of recalling defeats, but maintained that he never stopped feeling proud to represent the country. He thanked his teammates and coaches, stating that no captain walks alone.
The Portuguese Football Federation issued a statement expressing deep gratitude and admiration for Ronaldo's service to the country. The federation described him as an inspiring leader and the ultimate symbol of the national team's spirit. It noted that he carried the nation on his shoulders, broke records, and raised Portugal's profile globally. The federation stated its intention to organize a tribute worthy of his career, allowing fans to celebrate the player who has given so much to the sport.
Former clubs including Manchester United, Sporting CP, and Juventus paid tribute to his international achievements. Ronaldo will continue his club career with Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, where he is expected to finish the current season. He is pursuing his 1,000th career goal, a mark he has not yet reached with his current total of 985. His departure from international duty comes less than one month after Lionel Messi played his final game for Argentina.
Ronaldo's retirement marks the end of an era in Portuguese football, leaving behind a record as the leading men's international goal scorer and appearance maker. The number seven shirt will now be worn by a new generation of players who aim to continue the legacy he helped build. The federation's promise of a formal tribute indicates that further ceremonies are planned for the coming months to honor his contributions.
