Ronaldo announces retirement from Portugal national team after 23 years
Cristiano Ronaldo confirmed his retirement from international football, ending a 23-year career that included 234 caps, 146 goals and a Euro 2016 title.
Portugal’s all-time leading scorer Cristiano Ronaldo announced on Thursday that he is retiring from international football. The 41-year-old said on social media that "Portugal will always be in me" and thanked teammates, coaches, family and supporters for the past 23 years.
Ronaldo finished his national team career with 234 appearances and 146 goals, a record that helped Portugal win the Euro 2016 championship and two Nations League titles in 2019 and 2025. He also featured in six World Cups and six European Championships, with the team reaching the round of 16 at the most recent World Cup before losing to Spain.
The decision follows a reported dispute with head coach Jorge Jesus during the last international break. Ronaldo claimed Jesus broke promises about playing time, leading the forward to leave the training camp before a match against Denmark. Jesus denied any formal agreement and said there was no rift between them.
"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," Ronaldo wrote in his statement.
The Portuguese Football Federation posted a tribute, describing Ronaldo as a symbol of the national team’s spirit and thanking him for his contributions. The federation also announced a 30-day suspension and a fine for the player.
Portugal remain top of Nations League Group A4 and have upcoming fixtures against Denmark and Wales later this month.