Cristiano Ronaldo has officially announced his retirement from international football, marking the conclusion of a record-breaking career that has spanned more than two decades. The 41-year-old forward shared the news via an Instagram post on Thursday, confirming his intention to "hand back the number 7 shirt" immediately following Portugal's upcoming international break.
Portugal is set to host Denmark in the UEFA Nations League on November 14, followed by an away match against Wales three days later. These fixtures will serve as the final appearances for the iconic captain.
Ronaldo's international career began with his senior debut against Kazakhstan in August 2003. Over the course of 234 appearances, he set records in men's international football by scoring 146 goals. His tenure included leading Portugal to their first major international trophy at the 2016 European Championship, as well as securing UEFA Nations League titles in 2019 and 2025. Additionally, he reached a historic milestone at the 2026 World Cup, becoming the first player to score at six different editions of the tournament. Portugal's campaign in that competition ended in the round of 16 against eventual champions Spain.
The announcement follows a period of tension between the player and national team coach Jorge Jesus, which surfaced during the September international window. Ronaldo had left the team camp after being benched during a match against Norway. At the time, he publicly criticized the coach for failing to honor promises regarding his playing time, though he later apologized to his teammates and supporters. He emphasized then that he remained available for selection despite the dispute.
Ronaldo also disclosed that he had drafted a retirement letter following the 2026 World Cup but was convinced to continue by Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proenca. His decision to retire is limited to international football, as he intends to continue his club career with Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr.
