END OF AN ERA: Cristiano Ronaldo Announces Retirement From International Football After 23 Years With Portugal*

Portugal legend Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football, bringing to an end a record-breaking 23-year career with the Portugal national team.

The 41-year-old broke the news on Thursday, November 5, 2026, in an emotional video message posted on his Instagram and X accounts, where he read a letter to his supporters.

“To the Portuguese people, the day has come for me to hand back the number 7 shirt of our national team,” Ronaldo said.

“I never felt it belonged to me alone. But for 23 years, I had the privilege and the responsibility of wearing it, defending it and carrying it with me into stadiums all around the world.”

Ronaldo made his senior debut for Portugal as an 18-year-old in August 2003 and went on to make a world-record of 234 appearances, scoring a world-record of 146 international goals.

His crowning glory came in 2016 when he captained Portugal to their first major trophy at the European Championship in France. He also led the team to two UEFA Nations League titles in 2019 and 2025.

The announcement comes after a turbulent final chapter with the national team. Ronaldo recently clashed with new Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus and walked out of the national team camp last month after being benched for a Nations League match against Norway.

The Portuguese Football Federation had handed him a 30-day suspension for the walkout, which ends just before this month’s international window.

In his farewell message, Ronaldo said: “Today my journey on the pitch with the national team comes to an end. I leave with my head held high, proud of the path I have taken. Portugal will always be in me.”

Ronaldo will continue his club career with Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia as he chases 1,000 career goals.