Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football after 23 years with Portugal.
The 41-year-old’s exit comes less than a month after Lionel Messi played his final match for Argentina.
Ronaldo announced his decision in a video posted on social media on Thursday, one day before Portugal coach Jorge Jesus was due to name his squad for the Nations League matches against Denmark and Wales.
“To the Portuguese people, the day has come for me to hand back the No 7 shirt of our national team,” Ronaldo said.
“I never felt it belonged to me alone but for 23 years I had the privilege and the responsibility of wearing it, defending it and carrying it with me into stadiums all around the world.
“Today the time has come to pass it on to the future. It was not an easy decision because some decisions are not made with the mind alone. They are also made with the heart.”
Ronaldo’s international career began in August 2003. He made 234 appearances for Portugal and scored a record 146 goals. He captained the team to victory at Euro 2016 and the Nations League in 2019 and 2025.
His final appearance came in a 1-0 Nations League win against Wales on 24 September. He was left on the bench for the following match and subsequently walked out of the national team camp after a dispute with Jesus over his playing time.
The Portuguese Football Federation said it would organise a tribute to Ronaldo, whose departure comes after a period of tension with the national team.
“Cristiano Ronaldo has raised Portugal’s profile and inspired generations of young people who dream of following in his footsteps; for many of us, he is the greatest player of all time!” the federation said.
It added that it intended to arrange an occasion “in which the fans and the country can one more time applaud and celebrate a player who has given us so much”.
Ronaldo will continue playing for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia and is expected to end his club career after this season. He is also chasing 1,000 career goals, with his total currently at 985.
In his farewell message, Ronaldo said his time with Portugal had been about more than goals and trophies.
“When I look back and think of everything I’ve experienced with the national team, I don’t just see matches, goals, records or trophies,” he said. “I see people.
“I’ve always been hard on myself. I’ve always wanted more; I’ve always believed we could go further. And I gave everything I had for this shirt.”
He thanked his team-mates and coaches, adding: “No captain walks alone and you’re all part of my story.”
