The Portugal captain ends his international journey with 146 goals in 234 appearances, three major international titles and a legacy as one of football’s greatest players. The Portuguese Football Federation has promised a special tribute to honour his career.

Cristiano Ronaldo Retires From International Football After 23-Year Portugal Career

Cristiano Ronaldo international retirement marks the end of an extraordinary 23-year journey with Portugal. The legendary forward has announced that he will no longer represent his country, bringing an iconic chapter of his football career to a close. Ronaldo finished his international journey with 146 goals in 234 appearances, making him the highest goalscorer in men’s international football.

The 41-year-old footballer confirmed his decision through a video message shared on social media. In the post, he reflected on his connection with Portugal and announced that the time had come to step away from the national team. His retirement brings an end to a career that included major international trophies, historic records and several memorable performances.

Cristiano Ronaldo Announces End of Portugal Career

“Portugal will always be in me,” Ronaldo wrote in the caption accompanying his announcement.

Addressing Portuguese supporters in his video message, he said, “To the Portuguese people, the day has come for me to hand back the No 7 shirt of our national team.”

Ronaldo made his international debut against Kazakhstan on August 20, 2003, when he was just 18 years old. Over the following two decades, he became the face of Portuguese football and captained the national side through some of its most successful years.

His decision comes after reports of a disagreement with Portugal coach Jorge Jesus in September, following which Ronaldo left the national squad midway through the international break. He later shared a lengthy Instagram post indicating that he remained available to represent the Selecao. However, his latest announcement confirms his decision to end his international career.

Portuguese FA Promises Special Tribute for CR7

Despite the circumstances surrounding his departure, the Portuguese Football Federation has expressed its desire to honour Ronaldo with a fitting farewell.

In its statement, the federation said it wanted to organise and actively participate in a tribute celebrating the forward’s contribution to Portuguese football.

“It is our firm and immense desire to organize, plan, participate, and actively collaborate in what will always be a fitting tribute to Cristiano Ronaldo’s immense career, in which fans and the country can applaud and celebrate, once again, the player who has given us so much,” the statement read.

The proposed tribute will give supporters an opportunity to celebrate a player who has represented Portugal across generations and played a central role in the country’s international achievements.

Three Major International Titles With Portugal

Ronaldo’s international career was defined by three major tournament victories. His most celebrated achievement came at the 2016 UEFA European Championship in France.

Portugal defeated the hosts 1-0 in the final, with Eder scoring the decisive goal. Ronaldo had to leave the match early because of an injury, but continued to support his teammates from the sidelines as Portugal secured its first European Championship title.

Under his captaincy, Portugal also won the UEFA Nations League in 2019 and 2025. These victories strengthened his legacy as one of the most successful players in the country’s football history.

Six World Cups and Historic Records

Ronaldo represented Portugal at six consecutive FIFA World Cups, beginning with the 2006 tournament in Germany, followed by the 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022 and 2026 editions.

He also became the first player to score in six different World Cup tournaments, achieving the milestone with a goal against Uzbekistan in 2026. Across his World Cup appearances, he played 27 matches and scored 11 goals.

However, the FIFA World Cup trophy remained missing from his list of achievements. Portugal’s best performance during his international career came in 2006, when the team reached the semi-finals and finished fourth.

Ronaldo Turns Focus to 1,000 Career Goals

Although his international career has ended, Ronaldo is expected to continue playing for Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr. His next major individual milestone is reaching 1,000 career goals across club and international football.

According to the figures provided, Ronaldo has scored 985 goals in 1,343 senior appearances for club and country, leaving him 15 goals short of the landmark.

His retirement from international football closes a defining chapter in modern football. From his debut as an 18-year-old to becoming Portugal’s record goalscorer and lifting major international trophies, Ronaldo leaves behind a legacy built on longevity, consistency and extraordinary achievements. While the No. 7 shirt will move on to another player, his contribution to Portuguese football will remain part of the country’s sporting history.