Ronaldo announces retirement amid dispute with Portugal coach

Cristiano Ronaldo used social media on November 5 to announce his retirement from the Portugal national team, ending a 22-year international career that set records for appearances and goals. The decision follows a dispute with head coach Jorge Jesus, who left Ronaldo out of the squad for a recent match against Norway.

Ronaldo finished with 234 caps and 146 goals, the highest totals in men’s international football, and was part of Portugal’s European Championship win in 2016 and Nations League victories in 2019 and 2025. He debuted in August 2003 against Kazakhstan and participated in six World Cups, scoring 11 goals, though the tournament trophy eluded him.

His final major tournament was the 2024 European Championship, where Portugal were eliminated in the quarter-finals and Ronaldo did not score. The earlier Euro 2022 campaign also raised questions about his role as the team’s leading attacker.

The Portuguese Football Federation issued a statement thanking Ronaldo for his contributions and indicating that a formal on-field tribute could still be arranged, though no details have been confirmed.

"He should receive the tribute he deserves," the federation said.

Ronaldo’s retirement concludes an era that ran parallel to Lionel Messi’s international career, highlighting contrasting farewell approaches for the two players.