Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to one of the most decorated careers in the history of the men’s game.
The 41-year-old confirmed his decision in a video posted on Instagram, according to OneFootball, ending a Portugal career that began with his senior debut in 2003. He leaves as the country’s record goalscorer and the most-capped player in men’s international football, with 146 goals in 234 appearances.
Ronaldo’s international career spanned six World Cups and six European Championships. He helped Portugal win their first major international trophy at Euro 2016, before captaining them to Nations League glory in 2019. Portugal also won the competition in 2025, adding another major honour to his international legacy.
His departure brings to a close a remarkable period in which he became the defining figure of Portuguese football. From his emergence as a teenager to his role as captain, Ronaldo remained central to the national team’s identity for more than two decades.
The announcement follows Portugal’s elimination from the 2026 World Cup, where Ronaldo had already confirmed that he would not return for another tournament. However, he continued to represent his country after that exit, leaving the possibility of an international farewell open.
His future with Portugal had also come under scrutiny following his departure from the national team’s Nations League camp in September. Ronaldo subsequently addressed the incident publicly, while head coach Jorge Jesus and the Portuguese Football Federation had indicated that the door remained open for his return.
Ronaldo’s retirement leaves Portugal without their long-serving captain and record goalscorer as they prepare for the next chapter under Jesus. His international records, including the men’s goalscoring and appearance marks, set a formidable benchmark for the generation that follows.
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