Football legend Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football, bringing the curtain down on an extraordinary 23-year journey with Portugal.
In an emotional five-minute video shared on his social media accounts, the 41-year-old forward announced that the time had come to hand back Portugal's iconic No. 7 shirt to the next generation.
"To the Portuguese people, the day has come for me to hand back the number seven shirt of our national team," Ronaldo said, reflecting on a journey that began in August 2003 and changed his life forever.
Ronaldo said the decision was not easy, describing it as one made with both his mind and heart. He also thanked the Portuguese people and supporters across the world who stood by him throughout his international career.
A RECORD-BREAKING INTERNATIONAL CAREER
Ronaldo made his senior international debut against Kazakhstan on August 20, 2003, at the age of 18. Over the next 23 years, he established himself as one of the greatest players in international football.
He leaves Portugal with an incredible record of 234 appearances and 146 goals, making him the most-capped player and the highest goalscorer in men's international football. He also holds the record for most appearances and goals in Portugal's history.
His international career included three major trophies:
UEFA Euro 2016: Captained Portugal to its first European Championship title, defeating France 1-0 in the final.
UEFA Nations League 2019: Helped Portugal win the inaugural edition, defeating the Netherlands in the final.
UEFA Nations League 2025: Played a key role in Portugal's triumph over Spain, scoring in the 2-2 final before Portugal won on penalties.
RECORDS THAT DEFINE RONALDO'S PORTUGAL CAREER
234 international appearances – men's world record.
146 international goals – men's world record.
14 goals at the UEFA European Championship – all-time record.
11 FIFA World Cup goals.
First player to score at six different FIFA World Cups.
Featured in six European Championships and six World Cups.
46 international assists.
192 international goal contributions.
Ronaldo also reached the Euro 2004 final with Portugal and helped the team finish fourth at the 2006 FIFA World Cup. Although the World Cup trophy remained elusive, his contribution to Portuguese football transformed the country's standing in international football.
A LEGACY BEYOND NUMBERS
From an 18-year-old making his international debut to becoming Portugal's captain and the face of a generation, Ronaldo's journey has spanned more than two decades.
His retirement announcement marks the end of an extraordinary chapter in international football. However, it does not mean the end of his club career, with Ronaldo continuing to play professional football.
As he prepares to hand over the iconic No. 7 shirt, his words carry a message of gratitude to the country he represented for 23 years.
Obrigado, Cristiano. Obrigado, Portugal.
