Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football after 23 years representing Portugal, bringing an end to a record-breaking career that included 146 goals in 234 appearances. The decision follows a dispute with national team coach Jorge Jesus over his playing time.
The 41-year-old forward, who currently plays for Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr, announced his decision in a video posted on Instagram, describing it as an emotional choice and saying it was time to hand Portugal’s number seven shirt to a new generation.
Ronaldo’s announcement came a day before Jesus was due to name his squad for upcoming Nations League matches against Denmark and Wales. It also followed a 30-day suspension imposed by the Portuguese Football Federation after Ronaldo left the national team during the previous international window amid tensions with the coach.
The forward last played for Portugal on September 24, in a 1-0 Nations League victory over Wales. He was subsequently left on the bench for a match against Norway, ending an 18-year run without being an unused substitute for his country.
Jesus said he had asked Ronaldo to continue playing for Portugal but would respect his decision. The coach also described him as a lasting reference point for the national team and the Portuguese people.
Ronaldo made his international debut in August 2003 and went on to become the most prolific goalscorer in men’s international football. He captained Portugal to victory at Euro 2016 and the UEFA Nations League in 2019 and 2025. He also holds numerous individual records, including the most goals in World Cup qualifying and the most appearances and goals in European Championship history.
The Portuguese Football Federation paid tribute to the forward, describing him as an inspiring leader and a symbol of the national team’s spirit. It said it intended to organise a tribute worthy of his contribution to Portuguese football.
Ronaldo will continue playing at club level and is expected to finish his career with Al Nassr at the end of the current season. He is also pursuing the milestone of 1,000 career goals, having scored 985 so far.
His international retirement comes less than a month after Lionel Messi played his final match for Argentina, marking the end of an era for two of football’s most celebrated players.
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