Cristiano Ronaldo announced his retirement from international football on November 5 through a social media post, bringing an end to a 23-year career with the Portuguese national team. The 41-year-old striker is Portugal’s all-time leading goalscorer, with 146 goals in 232 appearances.
Ronaldo made his international debut in 2003 and went on to become one of the most celebrated players in football history. He was instrumental in Portugal’s 2016 UEFA European Championship triumph and also helped the team win the inaugural UEFA Nations League in 2019.
He scored his first international goal against Greece during UEFA Euro 2004, marking the beginning of a remarkable journey in which he wore Portugal’s iconic No. 7 jersey and established numerous records.
In an emotional video message to the Portuguese people, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner described his decision to retire as a difficult one, saying his journey with the national team had changed his life forever.
“The day has come to hand back the shirt and the captain’s armband of the national team that belongs to all of us. I never felt that it was exclusively mine, but for 23 years, I had the privilege and responsibility of wearing it, defending it, and carrying it with me to stadiums all around the world,” Ronaldo said.
“Today, the moment has come to pass it on to the future. It was not an easy decision, because some decisions are not made with the head alone. They are also made with the heart. I am bringing to an end a journey that began in August 2003 and changed my life forever,” he added.
Reflecting on his time with Portugal, Ronaldo said he had consistently pushed himself beyond his limits, driven by the ambition to win, excel and make history. He added that he had always believed the team could achieve more and had given everything for the national jersey.
Addressing his teammates, Ronaldo expressed gratitude for their support and the experiences they shared over the years.
“To my national team teammates, I want to leave a special message. Thank you for every run, every hug, every argument, every moment of silence before stepping onto the pitch, every victory we celebrated together, and every defeat that made us stronger,” he said.
“I had the privilege of being your captain, but no captain walks alone, and you are all part of my story,” he added, while also thanking the coaches, medical staff, administrators and others who had been part of his international career.
Controversy surrounding Ronaldo’s exit
Ronaldo’s announcement comes amid controversy surrounding his conduct during the previous international break. He left Portugal’s training camp after being excluded from the team’s 2-1 victory over Norway in the Nations League. At the final whistle, he reportedly headed straight to the dressing room instead of joining his teammates in applauding the travelling supporters in Oslo.
The Portuguese Football Federation subsequently handed him a 30-day suspension from international duty and imposed a fine following an incident involving head coach Jorge Jesus.
Ronaldo alleged that the coach had assured him he would come on as a substitute, prompting him to begin warming up, but later changed his decision. Jesus denied having made such an agreement with the striker.
Ronaldo later apologised to his teammates and supporters, acknowledging that leaving the training camp had been a mistake.