Cristiano Ronaldo Announces Retirement from Portugal National Team.
Football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football, saying he was always proud to wear Portugal’s number seven shirt and would remain close to the national team.
The 41-year-old made the announcement on Thursday, November 5, 2026, in a message shared on his social media accounts, addressing his followers and, particularly, Portuguese supporters.
“To the people of Portugal, the time has come for me to return the number seven shirt I have worn for the national team. I never felt that I was the only one worthy of wearing it,” he said.
“For 23 years, I considered it an honour and a responsibility. Wearing it proudly and taking it to stadiums across the world was a privilege. Now the time has come for me to make way for the future.”
Ronaldo said representing Portugal had always been a source of pride, but acknowledged that deciding to end his international career had been difficult.
“It was not an easy decision because some decisions are not made by the mind alone; they also require the heart. The journey that began in 2003 changed my entire life. Now it has come to an end,” he said.
Looking back on his time with the national team, Ronaldo said his memories went beyond matches, goals, records and trophies.
“When I look back on everything I experienced with the national team, I do not see only matches, goals, records or trophies. I see people, Portuguese people across the world who felt connected to their country,” he said.
“I see millions of people I never met, but who became part of my family because, in the end, football became more than a game. Football is about people.”
The Al Nassr forward said he had always given everything he could while representing Portugal, driven by the desire to win, make history and achieve more than he had thought possible.
He added that he had made sacrifices and pushed himself because he believed he could go further, saying he gave everything for the national team shirt he had been entrusted with.
Ronaldo made his debut for Portugal in 2003 and retires after making 234 appearances and scoring 146 goals, according to the figures provided in the announcement. He is regarded as the only player in football history to have reached those international totals.
During his time with Portugal, he helped the country win three major titles: the 2016 European Championship and the UEFA Nations League in 2019 and 2025.
He also became the first player to score at six different editions of the FIFA World Cup.
His retirement announcement comes after a reported disagreement with Portugal coach Jorge Jesus, which led to Ronaldo leaving the national team camp. He was subsequently handed a 30-day suspension and fined €, equivalent to approximately Rwf422,280.
