Cristiano Ronaldo announces Portugal retirement after 234 caps and 146 goals

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Cristiano Ronaldo announced his retirement from international football on Thursday, bringing a 23-year Portugal career to a close. The 41-year-old confirmed his decision in a video message thanking the people who had accompanied his time with the national team.

Ronaldo made 234 appearances for Portugal and scored 146 goals, both records in men’s international football. His career with the senior side began in 2003 and extended across six World Cups and six European Championships.

He captained Portugal to their first major international trophy at Euro 2016, then helped the country win the Nations League in 2019 and 2025. Portugal’s most recent World Cup campaign ended in the round of 16 with defeat by eventual champions Spain.

In his farewell, Ronaldo reflected on the responsibility of wearing Portugal’s number seven shirt and thanked team-mates, coaches, medical staff, his family and supporters. He said representing the country had been a source of lasting pride and that he would continue to follow its fortunes as a supporter.

The announcement follows a difficult final period with the national team. Ronaldo left the squad before a Nations League match against Denmark after a dispute with head coach Jorge Jesus and subsequently received a 30-day suspension from the Portuguese Football Federation.

The federation responded to his retirement with a tribute recognising his leadership and influence on younger players. It also said it wanted to organise an event at which supporters could celebrate his career, although details of that occasion have not been announced.

The Al Nassr forward leaves an international record built over more than two decades, with Portugal’s European Championship breakthrough and two Nations League titles among its defining achievements.