Portuguese footballer Cristiano Ronaldo, aged 41, has announced his retirement from the Portugal national team, ending an international career of 23 years that began on August 20, 2003. He leaves with a historic tally of 146 goals in 234 matches, making him the most prolific scorer and the player with the most appearances in the history of international men's football. [1]
Of the 146 goals, 124 were scored in official competitions and 22 in friendly matches, including 10 hat-tricks and two braces. Ronaldo became the first player to score in six different editions of the World Cup (2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022, and 2026), totaling 11 goals. He also holds the record at the European Championships with 14 goals scored across six final tournaments. [1]
Portugal was led to victory at Euro 2016 and at the 2019 and 2025 editions of the UEFA Nations League. However, Ronaldo leaves behind the bitterness of never having managed to lift the World Cup trophy, after defeats against France at the 2006 World Cup and at Euro 2020. [1]
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