Cristiano Ronaldo Announces Retirement from Portugal After 23 Years: 146 Goals and 234 Appearances
Football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to an extraordinary 23-year journey with the Portugal national team. The 41-year-old forward confirmed his decision through an emotional video shared on social media on November 5, 2026.
Ronaldo leaves international football as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport. He finishes his Portugal career with an extraordinary record of 146 international goals in 234 appearances, making him the all-time leading goalscorer and most-capped male international footballer.
His announcement marks the end of an unforgettable chapter that began in August 2003. During more than two decades representing Portugal, Ronaldo became the face of the national team, captained the country to major international trophies and inspired millions of football fans around the world.
Cristiano Ronaldo announces international retirement
Ronaldo announced his decision through an emotional farewell video on Instagram.
In his message, the Portuguese superstar reflected on the responsibility and pride of representing his country while wearing the famous No. 7 shirt.
He explained that the shirt never belonged to him alone and that he had been privileged to wear and defend it for 23 years.
He also indicated that the time had come to pass the shirt on to the next generation of Portuguese footballers.
The decision was not easy, as representing Portugal had been one of the most important parts of his professional career.
According to his announcement, his international journey, which began in August 2003, has now reached its conclusion. His retirement from national-team football does not mean an immediate end to his professional club career.
Ronaldo’s incredible Portugal career in numbers
Cristiano Ronaldo’s international statistics underline the scale of his achievements.
He made his senior debut for Portugal in August 2003 and gradually developed into the country’s most influential footballer.
Over 23 years, he established several international records that made him one of the most celebrated players in the game.
Cristiano Ronaldo – Portugal career
146
International goals
234
International appearances
23
Years representing Portugal
6
World Cups played
Statistics reported at the time of his retirement announcement.
These numbers place Ronaldo at the top of men’s international football. His achievement of scoring 146 goals for Portugal is particularly remarkable, considering the number of years he maintained his performance at the highest level.
According to UEFA, Lionel Messi is second on the men’s international goalscoring list with 126 goals.
UEFA.com+1
Euro 2016: The biggest achievement of Ronaldo’s Portugal career
One of the most memorable moments of Ronaldo’s international career came at the 2016 UEFA European Championship in France.
Portugal entered the tournament with high expectations but faced several difficult challenges throughout the competition.
Ronaldo played a major role in helping his country reach the final against France.
However, he was forced to leave the final early after suffering an injury. Despite his absence from the pitch, Portugal continued fighting and secured a historic 1-0 victory through Eder’s extra-time goal.
The victory delivered Portugal its first European Championship title and became one of the defining moments of Ronaldo’s career.
He also helped Portugal win the UEFA Nations League in 2019 and 2025, adding two more major international honours to his achievements.
FIFA World Cup+1
Ronaldo represented Portugal at six World Cups
Another remarkable achievement was Ronaldo’s participation in six FIFA World Cup tournaments.
He represented Portugal at the 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022 and 2026 editions.
Across these tournaments, he became the first male footballer to score in six different editions of the FIFA World Cup.
His World Cup journey began in Germany in 2006, when he was still a young player establishing himself on the international stage.
Over the following years, he continued to represent Portugal at the world’s biggest football competition.
At the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Ronaldo added another historic milestone by scoring three goals, taking his total World Cup goals to 11.
Portugal’s campaign eventually ended with a defeat against eventual champions Spain in the Round of 16.
FIFA World Cup+2
What happened between Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal coach Jorge Jesus?
Ronaldo’s retirement announcement came after a difficult period involving Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus.
The disagreement reportedly developed during the September 2026 international break, when Ronaldo was left on the bench for Portugal’s Nations League match against Norway.
The situation created tension between the experienced forward and the coaching staff.
Reports indicated that Ronaldo was unhappy with the decision and believed that certain promises about his role in the team had not been fulfilled.
The disagreement became public and eventually resulted in disciplinary action after Ronaldo left the national-team camp.
He received a 30-day suspension and a fine following the incident.
Although the coach indicated that the door remained open for Ronaldo’s return, the situation added uncertainty to his international future.
Ronaldo had previously suggested that he remained available to represent Portugal. However, his November 5 announcement confirmed his decision to bring his international career to an end.
Reuters+2
Will Cristiano Ronaldo retire from club football too?
No. Ronaldo’s announcement concerns his international career with Portugal.
He is expected to continue playing professional club football for Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr.
Ronaldo moved to Saudi Arabia during the 2022–23 season after ending his second spell at Manchester United.
Before joining Al Nassr, he represented several major European clubs, including Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus.
His international retirement therefore does not automatically signal the end of his playing career.
Fans will continue to follow his performances at club level as he pursues further milestones in professional football.
Manchester United+1
What is Ronaldo leaving behind for Portugal?
Ronaldo’s retirement represents a significant change for the Portuguese national team.
For more than two decades, he was not only the team’s captain and leading goalscorer but also one of its most recognisable figures.
His leadership, experience and ability to perform in major tournaments helped Portugal establish itself as a major force in international football.
The next generation of Portuguese players will now have an opportunity to build a new chapter without their long-serving No. 7.
Players such as Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva and other emerging talents will be expected to play important roles in the team’s future.
Replacing Ronaldo’s influence will be a major challenge, considering his records, experience and contribution to Portugal’s international success.
A legendary international career comes to an end
Cristiano Ronaldo’s retirement from Portugal marks the conclusion of one of football’s most extraordinary international careers.
From his debut in 2003 to winning Euro 2016 and lifting two Nations League trophies, he created memories that Portuguese supporters will remember for generations.
His 146 goals and 234 appearances represent more than statistics. They reflect 23 years of commitment, achievements and dedication to his country.
Although he will no longer wear Portugal’s No. 7 shirt in international football, his contribution to the national team will remain an important part of the country’s sporting history.
For millions of supporters, Ronaldo’s farewell is not simply the retirement of a footballer. It is the end of an era.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal journey may be over, but his legacy will continue to inspire future generations.
News update: November 6, 2026.
English highlights
– Cristiano Ronaldo announces retirement from Portugal’s national team.
– Ends a 23-year international career.
– Scored 146 goals in 234 appearances.
– Won Euro 2016 with Portugal.
– Won the UEFA Nations League in 2019 and 2025.
– Represented Portugal at six FIFA World Cups.
– Will continue his club career with Al Nassr.
ಕನ್ನಡ ಮುಖ್ಯಾಂಶಗಳು
– ಕ್ರಿಸ್ಟಿಯಾನೊ ರೊನಾಲ್ಡೊ ಪೋರ್ಚುಗಲ್ ರಾಷ್ಟ್ರೀಯ ಫುಟ್ಬಾಲ್ ತಂಡದಿಂದ ನಿವೃತ್ತಿ ಘೋಷಿಸಿದ್ದಾರೆ.
– 23 ವರ್ಷಗಳ ಅಂತರರಾಷ್ಟ್ರೀಯ ಫುಟ್ಬಾಲ್ ವೃತ್ತಿಜೀವನಕ್ಕೆ ಅಂತ್ಯ.
– ಪೋರ್ಚುಗಲ್ ಪರ 234 ಪಂದ್ಯಗಳಲ್ಲಿ 146 ಗೋಲು ಗಳಿಸಿದ್ದಾರೆ.
– 2016ರ ಯುರೋಪಿಯನ್ ಚಾಂಪಿಯನ್ಶಿಪ್ ಗೆಲುವಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಪ್ರಮುಖ ಪಾತ್ರ.
– 2019 ಮತ್ತು 2025ರಲ್ಲಿ UEFA ನೇಷನ್ಸ್ ಲೀಗ್ ಪ್ರಶಸ್ತಿ ಗೆದ್ದಿದ್ದಾರೆ.
– ಆರು ಫಿಫಾ ವಿಶ್ವಕಪ್ಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಪೋರ್ಚುಗಲ್ ತಂಡವನ್ನು ಪ್ರತಿನಿಧಿಸಿದ್ದಾರೆ.
– ಕ್ಲಬ್ ಫುಟ್ಬಾಲ್ನಲ್ಲಿ ಅಲ್ ನಸ್ರ್ ಪರ ಆಟ ಮುಂದುವರಿಸಲಿದ್ದಾರೆ.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Has Cristiano Ronaldo retired from international football?
Yes. Cristiano Ronaldo announced his decision to retire from Portugal’s national team on November 5, 2026.
Q2. How many goals did Ronaldo score for Portugal?
He scored 146 international goals in 234 appearances.
Q3. How many years did Ronaldo play for Portugal?
He represented Portugal for approximately 23 years, beginning in August 2003.
Q4. Which major trophies did Ronaldo win with Portugal?
He won UEFA Euro 2016 and the UEFA Nations League in 2019 and 2025.
Q5. Did Cristiano Ronaldo play in six World Cups?
Yes. He represented Portugal at six FIFA World Cups, from 2006 through 2026.
Q6. Is Cristiano Ronaldo retiring from Al Nassr?
No. His announcement concerns international football. He is continuing his club career with Al Nassr.
Q7. Who is Portugal’s next captain after Ronaldo?
The announcement does not establish a permanent successor. Portugal’s coaching staff and federation will determine future captaincy arrangements.
Q8. Why did Ronaldo retire from Portugal?
His announcement followed a difficult period involving his role in the national team and a disagreement with coach Jorge Jesus. However, Ronaldo described his retirement as a personal and emotional decision.
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