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The End of an Era: Cristiano Ronaldo says goodbye to Portugal after a glorious 23-year journey
Cristiano Ronaldo has officially announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to one of the greatest and most record-breaking international careers in the history of the sport.
The 41-year-old confirmed his decision in an emotional video message via Instagram to the Portuguese supporters that the time had come to “hand back” the famous No. 7 shirt after 23 years representing his country with passion for all these years.
Ronaldo leaves Portugal as the most capped player and highest goalscorer in men’s international football history.
Since making his debut in August 2003, he has made 234 appearances and scored 146 goals for Portugal, and both are world records in men's football.
Cristiano’s journey transformed Portugal’s footballing history and brought them amongst the top teams in Europe.
Ronaldo led the Iberian nation to its first major international trophy during Euro 2016 before adding UEFA Nations League titles in 2019 and 2025.
Before Cristiano, Portugal had zero titles, and now they have three, highlighting the legacy of the goal machine.
The 2026 World Cup had another historic milestone for Ronaldo as he became the first player to score at six different FIFA World Cup tournaments, having previously scored at every edition since 2006.
He finished his World Cup career with 11 goals, although Portugal were eliminated by eventual champions Spain in the Round of 16 by 1-0.
Despite failing to lift the World Cup with Portugal, Ronaldo's legacy remains unmatched.
In his farewell message, Ronaldo admitted that retirement was not an easy decision, describing it as one made “with the heart” as much as the mind.
His decision also comes after a topsy-turvy final period with the national team, including a disagreement with coach Jorge Jesus during the recent international break, which even led to his temporary suspension.
However, the controversy surrounding his exit cannot overshadow the scale of his contribution to Portugal.
Ronaldo will continue playing club football with Al Nassr, but Portugal will now move into a new era without the man who brought them onto the map, just like Argentina and Brazil have moved into a new era after Lionel Messi and Neymar Junior announced their retirement.
The No. 7 shirt will eventually move to someone else, but Cristiano Ronaldo’s place in Portugal’s history never will.
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