Cristiano Ronaldo announced on Thursday that he is retiring from Portugal's national team, bringing down the curtain on one of the most celebrated international careers in football. The 41-year-old captain said he would "hand back the number 7 shirt" after the November international break.
"It was not an easy decision, because there are decisions that are not made only with the head. They are also made with the heart," Ronaldo said, thanking his family, the Portuguese people and the teammates, coaches and staff of his 23-year international career.
Ronaldo has made 234 appearances and scored 146 goals for Portugal, both international records. He captained the side to their first major trophy at Euro 2016 and helped them win the Nations League in 2019 and 2025. He and Argentina's Lionel Messi are the only players to have featured at six global tournaments. At the 2026 World Cup, Portugal went out in the last 16, losing 1-0 to eventual champions Spain.
In late September, Ronaldo left the Portugal camp without permission before a Nations League match against Denmark and was later suspended for 30 days and fined by the federation. Portugal host Denmark in Braga on November 14 and then visit Wales, the last two chances for Ronaldo to add to his international tally.
The Portuguese Football Federation expressed its "profound and eternal gratitude", calling him an inspiring leader and the ultimate symbol of the soul of the national team.