Cristiano Ronaldo retires from Portugal national team after 23 years

Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from the Portugal national team after 23 years. The 41-year-old Al-Nassr forward made the announcement in a social media video on Thursday, November 5, 2026, saying he leaves with his head held high and proud of the path taken.

Ronaldo departs as the absolute record holder for a men's national team with 234 appearances and 146 goals. He also won three trophies with Portugal: Euro 2016, the nation's first continental title, and two Nations League trophies in 2019 and 2025. He became the first player in history to score at six different World Cup editions.

“Portugal will always remain in my heart. The time has come to return the number 7 jersey of the national team.”

The decision follows weeks of tension with new coach Jorge Jesus. On September 30, Ronaldo left Portugal's training camp in Denmark after remaining on the bench against Norway and missing some training sessions. According to Ronaldo, Jesus had promised him a specific playing-time management program but then asked him to warm up against Norway without fielding him.

On October 6, Ronaldo gave his version of events, accusing the coach of going back on his word twice. He said he was willing to return after a possible federation sanction. The federation then suspended him for 30 days and fined him 255 euros.

Ronaldo and the Portuguese Football Federation later resolved their differences, and he said he was available again for the national team. His last match was a 1-0 win over Wales on September 24. In the next match against Norway, he remained an unused substitute before leaving the camp.

Ronaldo debuted for the senior team on August 20, 2003, and scored his first goal on June 12, 2004, at Euro 2004 hosted by Portugal. From 2008, he wore the captain's armband and gradually became the leader of the generation that achieved the national team's most important performances.