Cristiano Ronaldo announced this Thursday his definitive retirement from the Portuguese national football team through a video posted on his social media, bringing to a close an international career of 23 years that cements him as the all-time top scorer and the player with the most appearances in the history of men's national football.
In the message, the forward born in Madeira expressed his farewell with heartfelt words: “The day has come to return the number seven jersey to the team that belongs to all of us. I never felt it was exclusively mine, but for 23 years I had the privilege and responsibility of wearing it, defending it, and taking it with me to stadiums around the world.”
The 41-year-old player emphasized that the decision was not easy: "It was not an easy decision because some decisions are not made solely with the mind. They are made with the mind but also with the heart. It marks the end of a journey that began in August 2003."
Ronaldo concludes his time with Portugal with 234 matches and 146 goals, figures that no other footballer in history has achieved. His 146 goals exceed by twenty the 126 that Lionel Messi has accumulated with Argentina, who also said farewell to the Albiceleste team in October 2026. The historical podium is completed by the Iranian Ali Daei with 108 goals.
Throughout his international career, he played in six World Cups—making him the first footballer to score in six different editions of the tournament—and six European Championships, with 14 goals in final stages, a historical record for the competition. With Portugal, he won three titles: the Euro 2016, the Nations League 2019, and the Nations League 2025, the final of which in Munich was decided by his equalizing goal against Spain before Portugal triumphed 5-3 in penalties.
The announcement comes after weeks of tension with the coach Jorge Jesus. On September 27, Ronaldo warmed up for more than 30 minutes before the match against Norway in Oslo — a 1-2 loss — but was not named in the lineup, which triggered an open conflict. Three days later, he left the Portuguese camp in Denmark without authorization, resulting in a 30-day suspension and a fine of 255 euros imposed by the Disciplinary Council of the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF). Although there were rumors of his return to the call-up, this withdrawal definitively closes that possibility.
In his message, the historic captain of the "quinas" emphasized the collective significance of the jersey: "There are no clubs, there are no colors, there are no classes, there are no professions, there are no opinions. There is only one passion: Portugal."
He also had words for his teammates: "I had the privilege of being your captain; but a captain does not walk alone, and you are all part of my story."
The last World Cup for Ronaldo with Portugal ended in the Round of 16 last July, with a 1-0 defeat against Spain. Before that elimination, he had scored a brace against Uzbekistan in the group stage, becoming the first player to score in six different World Cups.
Ronaldo concluded his message with a phrase that summarizes his bond with the country: "I spent my life working to be the best player in the world. Today, I understand that the greatest victory was having earned the right to represent the best country in the world."
The FPF expressed its "deep gratitude" and announced its "strong willingness" to organize a tribute worthy of its legacy. The president of the institution, Pedro Proença, was emphatic: "Our doors will always be open for you. You will always be our captain."
Filed under: