Cristiano Ronaldo announces Portugal retirement after 23-year international career

Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from Portugal's national team, bringing a 23-year international career to an end. The 41-year-old delivered the news in a social-media video on Thursday. The Associated Press reported that the Portuguese football federation intends to organise a tribute, giving supporters another opportunity to recognise his contribution to the country.

Watch the highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q7nl17CC24g

Ronaldo leaves with 234 appearances and 146 goals for Portugal. Portuguese outlet zerozero reported that his international tournament record includes six European Championships and six World Cups. He helped Portugal win the European title in 2016 and the Nations League in 2019 and 2025, collecting three senior international trophies during a career that began in 2003.

In the farewell message, Ronaldo reflected on the responsibility of representing Portugal and wearing the captain's armband. Swiss broadcaster SRF reported that he acknowledged both memorable victories and defeats that remained painful. He also spoke about occasions when he had not delivered what he wanted for Portuguese supporters, while stressing that he had continued to persevere.

SRF also reported Ronaldo's message to his teammates, in which he described captaining them as a privilege and recognised their part in his story. His announcement followed a public disagreement with national coach Jorge Jesus. Ronaldo left the national team's training camp at the end of September and subsequently accused the coach of failing to honour a commitment about playing time.

According to SRF, the federation imposed a 30-day suspension and a 255-euro fine. The suspension was applied retrospectively from September 30 and expired at the end of October. His last Portugal appearance was the 1-0 Nations League win over Wales on September 24. AP reported that Jesus later said Ronaldo would be welcome back, leaving the choice to the player.

The federation's response focused on Ronaldo's wider contribution, with AP reporting its gratitude for his service and recognition of his influence on younger generations. His international retirement does not mean he is immediately leaving club football: AP reported that he will continue playing for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia. The planned Portuguese tribute has not been given a date in that report.