The striker ends a 23-year international career, in which he played 234 matches and scored 146 goals
LISBON – Footballer Cristiano Ronaldo announced his definitive retirement from the Portuguese national team on Thursday, ending a 23-year international career in which he became the all-time top scorer in international football.
The striker announced his decision through a video posted on his Instagram account, where he expressed that the time had come to hand over the number seven jersey to the new generations and close a chapter that began in August 2003.
"The day has come to return the number seven jersey to the national team that belongs to all of us. I never felt it was exclusively mine, but for 23 years I had the privilege and responsibility of wearing it," the player stated.
He also acknowledged that making this decision was not easy, due to the personal significance of defending his country's colors.
"Today the moment has come to hand over (the jersey) to the future. It wasn't an easy decision because there are decisions that aren't made solely with the head. They're made with the head, but also with the heart," he stated.
A historic journey with Portugal
During his message, Ronaldo reviewed the main moments of his journey with the Portuguese team, highlighting the records achieved, the titles won and the support received from his teammates and fans.
The 41-year-old striker made his debut with the senior national team in 2003 and accumulated 234 matches and 146 goals, figures that keep him as the all-time top scorer at the national team level.
Throughout that journey, the Portuguese captain also helped his country win three international titles. The first came in 2016, when Portugal won their first European Championship after defeating France 1-0 in the final, played on French soil. UEFA.com+1
Later, in 2019, the Portuguese side lifted the inaugural UEFA Nations League trophy, defeating the Netherlands 1-0 in the final held in Porto. UEFA.com+1
Later, in 2025, Portugal won the tournament again, this time against Spain. After a 2-2 draw in regulation and extra time, the Portuguese team prevailed 5-3 in the penalty shootout, securing their second title in the competition. UEFA.com+1
In this way, Ronaldo closes his international career with a European Championship and two Nations Leagues in his record.
"Throughout my entire career with the national team, I tried to push my limits. I wanted to win, I wanted to be the best, I wanted to make history. I was always demanding of myself, I always wanted more, I always believed we could go further, and I gave everything I had for this jersey," he said.
He also dedicated words to those who accompanied him during these more than two decades, recalling that his role as captain was supported by collective work.
"I had the privilege of being your captain; but a captain does not walk alone and you are part of my story," he said.
The sanction that preceded the announcement
The dismissal comes after the Portuguese Football Federation's (FPF) Disciplinary Council imposed a 30-day suspension and a fine of 255 euros, the minimum amount stipulated in the regulations, for leaving the national team's training camp on September 30.
According to information published by EFE, the player's departure was related to differences with the national team coach Jorge Jesus, after Ronaldo was not used in the match against Norway, played in Oslo on September 27 and which ended with a score of 2-1.
The striker himself had explained that the discontent arose after remaining warming up for approximately half an hour without entering the field of play.
In that context, although there were rumors about the footballer's possible inclusion in the preliminary list for Portugal's upcoming matches, his announcement confirmed the end of his international career.
"Portugal will always be in me"
In the final part of his message, Ronaldo assured everyone that he will continue to support the national team, even though he will no longer play. He also urged the younger generations to maintain their ambition and confidence in order to achieve great things.
"Today my journey on the field with the national team comes to an end. I leave with my head held high, proud of the path I've traveled and knowing I gave everything I had for Portugal. But I will never stop being one of you; I will continue to suffer, thrill, and celebrate every victory for Portugal," he stated.
He also concluded by thanking the fans and the people who believed in him from his first steps in football, when he was still a child in Madeira.
"Portugal will always be in my heart. Goodbye forever. Cristiano Ronaldo," he said.
The Portuguese Federation is preparing a tribute
After the decision was announced, the Portuguese Football Federation expressed its "deep gratitude" to the player for his 23 years of service to the national team and stated its intention to organize a tribute in recognition of his career.
With his departure, Portugal bids farewell to one of the most representative figures in its football history and the top scorer in international national team football, who leaves a record of 146 goals in 234 matches.
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