Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his intention to retire from international football after the November 2026 international break, bringing an end to a remarkable 23 year career with Portugal.
The 41 year old forward confirmed his decision in a video message shared on his X profile on Thursday, November 5, saying it was time to hand back the national team's number seven shirt and pass it on to the next generation.
Ronaldo leaves behind a historic record of 234 appearances and 146 goals for Portugal, making him the most capped player and highest goalscorer in men's international football.
His announcement marks the end of an international journey that began in August 2003 and transformed him into one of the most influential figures in Portuguese football.
Ronaldo's Portugal Journey Began in 2003
Ronaldo made his senior international debut for Portugal in August 2003, beginning a journey that would span more than two decades.
His final chapter with Portugal also followed a difficult period, including the disciplinary action taken against him by the Portuguese Football Federation after his departure from the national team camp; Ronaldo was handed a 30 day suspension and a €255 fine over the incident.
At the time, he was a young winger establishing himself at Manchester United. Few could have predicted the records, individual achievements and international trophies that would follow.
He scored his first major international tournament goal at Euro 2004, when Portugal reached the final on home soil but lost 1–0 to Greece.
Over the years, Ronaldo became the centre of Portugal's attacking ambitions, eventually taking over the captain's armband and leading the national team through several major tournaments.
His 234 appearances and 146 goals leave him at the top of the men's international records for both categories.
Euro 2016 and Nations League Triumphs
One of the defining moments of Ronaldo's international career came at Euro 2016 in France.
Portugal entered the tournament without having won a major senior men's international trophy. Ronaldo captained the team through the competition, scoring three goals before an injury forced him off during the final against France.
Although he could not finish the match on the pitch, Portugal went on to win 1–0 after extra time, with Éder scoring the decisive goal.
It was Portugal's first European Championship title and a landmark moment for Ronaldo and his teammates.
He also helped Portugal win the UEFA Nations League in 2019 and 2025, adding two more international trophies to his achievements with the national team.
These victories became an important part of his legacy, particularly after years of criticism and disappointment in major international competitions.
Why Ronaldo Decided to Retire
In his farewell message, Ronaldo described the decision as difficult, explaining that it was not one he made with his head alone but also with his heart.
His latest announcement also follows earlier comments in which Ronaldo hinted that he was approaching the final year of his playing career, prompting discussions about when he might bring his football journey to an end.
He reflected on the people he encountered throughout his international career, including supporters who travelled around the world to watch Portugal play.
Rather than focusing only on goals, records and trophies, he spoke about the emotions connected to representing his country.
Ronaldo also acknowledged the difficult moments, including defeats and occasions when he could not give Portuguese supporters the results they wanted.
However, he maintained that he never stopped feeling proud of representing Portugal.
He thanked his teammates, coaches, medical staff, other members of the national team setup, and his family for sharing the journey with him.
His message also looked towards the future, expressing his belief that Portugal would continue producing young players capable of achieving great things.
Portugal Faces Life After Cristiano Ronaldo
Ronaldo's retirement will leave Portugal without its most experienced international player and record goalscorer.
His departure also marks an important transition for a national team that has relied on his leadership and attacking contributions for more than two decades.
Portugal will now have to move forward with a new generation of players taking greater responsibility, while the coaching staff works towards building a team that can compete without its long-time captain.
Replacing Ronaldo's goals and experience will not be straightforward. However, the country has several talented players who will be expected to help shape its future.
His retirement does not erase the achievements of the generations that played alongside him. Instead, it closes a significant chapter in Portuguese football and creates an opportunity for new players to establish their own identities.
Portugal Plans Special Tribute for Cristiano Ronaldo
The Portuguese Football Federation has confirmed plans to organise a special tribute for Cristiano Ronaldo following his announcement that he intends to retire from international football after the November break.
In an official statement, the federation expressed its determination to help organise a farewell worthy of the forward's 23 year career with the national team.
The FPF said it wants Portuguese supporters and the entire country to have another opportunity to applaud and celebrate the player who has given so much to the national team.
“Thank you for everything, Captain! This will always be your home,” the federation added in its message to Ronaldo.
The tribute would allow Portugal to celebrate a player who leaves international football with 234 appearances and 146 goals, both men's international records.
However, the federation has not yet announced when or where the ceremony will take place.
A Legacy That Will Remain in Portuguese Football
Ronaldo's international career has been defined by records, trophies, goals, and an extraordinary period of consistency.
From his debut in 2003 to his final international appearances, he represented Portugal across different generations of players and helped the country achieve major milestones.
His 146 goals and 234 appearances provide a statistical record that may take many years to approach.
But his farewell message suggests that his greatest source of pride goes beyond those numbers.
He reflected on the supporters who celebrated his goals, the families who followed Portugal and the shared emotions that came with representing the country.
As he prepares to hand over the number seven shirt, Ronaldo leaves Portugal with two European international trophies, two Nations League titles and a legacy that will remain part of its football history.
His final message to supporters captured the feeling behind his decision: "Portugal will always be part of him."