In his statement, he declared it was time to hand back the number 7 shirt
of the national team, a jersey he wore for more than two decades.
A Legacy of Records and Trophies
Ronaldo leaves the international game as the men’s all-time leading scorer and appearance-maker, having accumulated a record 234 caps and 146 goals for his country. His career was marked by significant milestones, including appearing in and scoring at six World Cups and six European Championships. He captained Portugal to their first major international title at Euro 2016 and later helped the side secure UEFA Nations League trophies in 2019 and 2025.
From Young Prodigy to National Icon
The arc of Ronaldo’s international career began under the guidance of Luiz Felipe Scolari, who managed a teenage Ronaldo at Euro 2004. Early in his tenure, Ronaldo struggled with the loss of his father in 2005, a period during which he leaned on the national team as a support system, eventually calling Scolari father.
Over the years, his influence on the team’s culture grew substantially.
Congratulations on an incredible international career, @Cristiano 🐐🇵🇹 Enjoy your retirement ❤️ pic.twitter.com/7TNh0YYE3X
Turbulent Final Chapter
Disagreements reportedly surfaced during the September international camp, and Ronaldo decided to leave the team’s training camp after falling out with coach Jorge Jesus. The federation subsequently imposed a 30-day disciplinary suspension and a fine of 255 euros following proceedings over his early exit from the training camp.
Ronaldo Targets One Thousand Career Goals with Al Nassr
Ronaldo’s retirement from the international stage leaves him with one primary focus: his club career with Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia. He has reached 985 career goals and remains in pursuit of the 1,000-goal milestone. His longevity has been attributed by coaches like Luis Castro to his strict adherence to disciplined routines, including a strong culture of training and respect for the game.
Ronaldo’s decision mirrors that of his long-time rival Lionel Messi, who concluded his own international career last month. As Portugal prepares for upcoming Nations League fixtures against Denmark and Wales, the national team enters a new era without the player who served as its captain and primary attacking threat for 23 years. In his farewell, Ronaldo remained characteristically resolute, concluding his message by stating, Thank you for these 23 years. Thank you for having believed in me. Portugal will always be in me. Forever.
Portugal estará sempre em mim pic.twitter.com/dnFj51rxmh
More on Ronaldo
2️⃣3️⃣4️⃣ caps. 1️⃣4️⃣6️⃣ goals. 3️⃣ major international honours. Only 1️⃣ @Cristiano 🐐