Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football, ending a 23-year career with Portugal. The 41-year-old forward said in a video message that he was handing back the national team’s number seven shirt.
“For 23 years I had the privilege and responsibility of wearing it, defending it and carrying it with me into stadiums all around the world,” Ronaldo said. He added that the decision was difficult and that his journey with Portugal had changed his life.
Ronaldo made his senior debut in 2003. He leaves the national team with 234 caps and 146 goals, figures described by the BBC as world records for men’s international football.
His international career included six European Championships. Portugal finished runners-up in 2004 and won the tournament in 2016. Ronaldo also captained the side to Nations League titles in 2019 and 2025. Portugal did not reach a World Cup semi-final during his time with the team.
Portugal’s next fixtures are against Denmark and Wales
Portugal are scheduled to face Denmark at home on November 14 and Wales away on November 17 in the Nations League. The UEFA fixture list confirms the dates.
The Portuguese football federation said it wanted to help organise a tribute to Ronaldo so fans and the country could celebrate his career. No date or format for a ceremony was announced in the report.
Ronaldo said he had experienced victories he would never forget and defeats that still hurt. “I never gave up,” he said, adding that he remained proud to have represented Portugal.
Nicole French