CRISTIANO Ronaldo, one of the world’s most celebrated footballers, has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to a remarkable 23-year career during which he became Portugal’s all-time leading goalscorer and one of the most decorated players in international football.
The 41-year-old forward announced his decision on Thursday, November 5, 2026, in an emotional message to Portuguese supporters, reflecting on his journey, achievements and sacrifices while representing his country.
In his farewell message, Ronaldo said he was leaving the national team with pride, satisfied that he had given everything for his country.
“Today, I finish my walk on the pitch with the national team. I leave with my head held high, with pride in the path I took, and with the awareness that I gave everything I had for Portugal,” he said.
He added that although goals, trophies and records would eventually be surpassed, the memories and emotional connections built with supporters would endure.
“Thank you for these 23 years. Thank you for having belief in me. Portugal will always be in me. Forever,” he said.
Ronaldo bows out as men’s international football’s all-time leading goalscorer, with 146 goals in 234 appearances for Portugal, according to available career statistics. He also holds the record for the most international appearances in men’s football.
The announcement comes weeks after tensions reportedly emerged between Ronaldo and Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus during the September international break.
The disagreement followed Ronaldo’s omission from the starting line-up against Norway, after which the forward left the national team’s training camp ahead of another fixture. He subsequently addressed the controversy, insisting at the time that he had no intention of retiring and remained available for selection.
Ronaldo made his senior international debut on August 20, 2003, against Kazakhstan, aged 18, and went on to become the defining figure of Portugal’s national team for more than two decades.
His greatest achievement with the country came in 2016, when he captained Portugal to its first European Championship title, defeating hosts France 1-0 in the final.
Although an injury forced him off in the first half of the final, Ronaldo remained on the sidelines encouraging his teammates as Portugal secured the historic victory.
He subsequently helped Portugal win the UEFA Nations League in 2019 and again in 2025, becoming central to the country’s most successful period in international football.
Beyond his trophies, Ronaldo leaves behind several remarkable records, including becoming the first male footballer to feature in six FIFA World Cups, having represented his country at the tournaments from 2006 to 2026.
Nanji is an investigative journalist with the ICIR. She has years of experience in reporting and broadcasting human angle stories, gender inequalities, minority stories, and human rights issues. She has documented sexual war crimes in armed conflict, sex for grades in Nigerian Universities, harmful traditional practices and human trafficking.