Cristiano Ronaldo retires from Portugal after contentious final match
The 41-year-old forward announced his international retirement, ending a career that includes record appearances and goals for Portugal but ended amid disputes with the coach and declining on-field influence.
Portugal’s long-time captain Cristiano Ronaldo announced his retirement from international football in a short video posted on Thursday, saying, "Portugal will always be a part of me." The decision follows a period of tension with national team coach Jorge Jesus, a lengthy statement after a mid-camp walkout and reduced playing time in recent tournaments.
Ronaldo leaves the national side holding the all-time records for appearances (234) and goals (146). He helped Portugal win Euro 2016 and two Nations League titles in 2019 and 2025, but his influence waned after the 2022 World Cup, where he was benched for two knockout games. At Euro 2024 and the 2026 World Cup he scored three goals, becoming the first player to score in six World Cups, yet Portugal were eliminated in the last 16 by Spain.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino praised Ronaldo, noting that few players have touched the hearts of football fans worldwide as deeply. Former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag, speaking to The Athletic, criticized Ronaldo’s training habits during his second spell at the club, saying the forward often failed to meet required intensity levels.
Ronaldo’s retirement concludes a career marked by both record-breaking achievements and frequent debate over his on-field demeanor and off-field persona.