Portugal football legend Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football. In a video message shared on X, Ronaldo made the announcement. The five-time Champions League winner with Manchester United and Real Madrid, as well as a Euro and Nations League champion, shared the message in an emotional five-minute video.
“To the Portuguese people, the day has come for me to hand back the No. 7 shirt of our national team. I never felt it belonged to me alone, but for 23 years, I had the privilege and the responsibility of wearing it, defending it and carrying it with me into stadiums all around the world. Today, the time has come to pass it on to the future. It was not an easy decision, because some decisions are not made with the mind alone. They are also made with the heart,” said the 41-year-old legend.
“Throughout my entire career with the national team, I always pushed myself beyond my limits. I wanted to win. I wanted to be better. I wanted to make history. I always demanded the most of myself. I always wanted more. I always believed we could go further, and I gave everything I had for this shirt. Today, my journey on the pitch with the national team comes to an end. I leave with my head held high. Proud of the path I have taken and knowing that I have everything I have for Portugal. But I will never stop being one of you. I will keep suffering, cheering and celebrating every Portuguese victory with a Siuuu,” he added.
His 23 years with Portugal end with 234 caps and 146 goals. He leaves as the most capped player in international football, and he led Portugal to the Euro 2016 title and to the Nations League in 2019 and 2025.
The exit was not entirely smooth. Reports claim a rift with national team coach Jorge Jesus, whom Ronaldo accused of going back on his word about his role in the team.
Speculation about his retirement had been building for months. Portugal’s World Cup campaign ended in the Round of 16 with a 1-0 defeat to Spain. During the tournament, Ronaldo told reporters he would retire when he wanted to, not when others wanted him to.