Official retirement of Cristiano Ronaldo from the Portugal national team

Update

Ronaldo retires from the Portugal national team after 22 years and 146 goals

After spending 22 years in the Portugal national team jersey, Cristiano Ronaldo announced that he is ending his international career. The 41-year-old striker leaves the selection with a record of 146 goals in 234 matches, closing an important chapter for Portuguese football. ^[3]

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Cristiano Ronaldo, a new equipment configuration for the World Cup in Qatar:

Cristiano Ronaldo officially confirmed his withdrawal from the Portugal national team, announcing his intention to return the number 7 jersey after the November international break. The 41-year-old attacker is ending an international career that began in August 2003, through a message published on social networks. ^[2]

Portugal has played 234 matches with him as captain; Ronaldo is the most prolific scorer and the player with the most appearances in the history of men's international football. His record includes 146 goals, of which 124 were scored in official competitions (World Cups, European Championships, UEFA Nations League, and qualifiers), and the remaining 22 in friendly matches. The player has recorded 10 hat-tricks and scored four times in a single match twice. His first goal for the national team came against Greece at Euro 2004. ^[2]

Among his major achievements is being the first player to score in six different editions of the World Cup (2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022, and 2026), with a total of 11 goals in this competition. He also holds the all-time record at the European Championships with 14 goals scored in six finals tournaments. Ronaldo led Portugal to historic victories at Euro 2016 and the 2019 and 2025 editions of the UEFA Nations League. ^[2]

Update

Cristiano Ronaldo officially announces his retirement from the Portugal national team after 22 years

After spending 22 years in the Portugal national team jersey, Cristiano Ronaldo officially announced that he is ending his international career. The legendary striker, aged 41, leaves the selection with an impressive record of 146 goals in 234 matches, in a gesture that marks the end of an era for Portuguese football. ^[5]

The decision was made public on his social media networks by the former Real Madrid star, who ultimately chose to close this chapter of his career. The announcement comes amidst reported tensions with the coaching staff and national team management during the last period of matches in the Nations League. ^[5]

Ronaldo remains the most prolific scorer and record holder for appearances in the history of men's international football for Portugal. His resume includes historic victories at the 2016 European Championship and the 2019 and 2025 editions of the UEFA Nations League, consolidating his status as a central figure in European and international football. ^[5]

The decision follows a period marked by tensions with the national team, arising during the last period of matches in the Nations League, culminating in his final choice to retire. ^[5]

His statistical record of 146 goals in 234 matches enshrines his place in the history of the national team. Although he scored against Brazil in the context of other tournaments, his record remains exclusively linked to his performances for Portugal, including victories at Euro 2016 and the Nations League. ^[5]

Update

Ronaldo retires from the Portugal national team after 22 years and 146 goals

After spending 22 years in the Portugal national team jersey, Cristiano Ronaldo announced on Thursday that he is ending his international career. The 41-year-old striker, winner of five Ballon d'Or awards, leaves the team with a record of 146 goals in 234 matches, closing an important chapter for Portuguese football. ^[6]

The decision was made public on social media by the former Real Madrid star, who chose to end this chapter of his career. The announcement comes amidst reported tensions with the national team, arising during the last period of matches in the Nations League. ^[6]

Update

Cristiano Ronaldo ends his international career after 23 years and 146 goals

Cristiano Ronaldo officially announced his withdrawal from the Portugal national team, bringing an emotional statement: “It’s time to hand over the number 7 shirt of our national team. I never considered it solely mine. However, for 23 years, I had the privilege and responsibility of wearing it.” The Portuguese, aged 41, is ending an international career that spanned 23 years, beginning with his debut in 2003. He leaves behind a record of 146 goals scored in 234 official and friendly matches. His farewell message was also published on the X platform, where he titled: “Portugal estará sempre em mim” (Portugal will always be in me), along with an image of him wearing the national team jersey. “Portugal estará sempre em mim” was the footballer's last post on his official Instagram account, marking the end of his direct link with fans via this platform for the national team. This retirement makes Ronaldo even lonelier in international rankings, given that Lionel Messi has also retired from the Argentina national team after the World Cup. Ronaldo is the world record holder for goals for men's national teams (146), significantly surpassing Lionel Messi (126). He became the most prolific scorer and holds the record for the most appearances in the history of men's international football for Portugal. ^[7]

Over the 23 years, Portugal won the European Championship in 2016 and the Nations League in 2019 and 2025. Ronaldo is the first player in history to have scored in six different editions of the World Cup (2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022, and 2026). He also has the highest number of goals at the European Championships (14 goals in six tournaments). The announcement comes in the context of a recent dispute between Ronaldo and the Portuguese Football Federation. In late September, the striker left the national team training camp dissatisfied that he was not called up for two matches. The Federation opened a disciplinary investigation, resulting in a fine of €255 and a 30-day suspension for the player. ^[7]

Update

Cristiano Ronaldo announces his retirement from the Portugal national team

Cristiano Ronaldo officially announced his withdrawal from the Portugal national team, emphasizing that “if I made you happy, if I made you forget a worry or feel proud of our country, then everything was worth it.” ^[4]

After 23 years spent in the national jersey, Cristiano Ronaldo, aged 41 and five-time Ballon d'Or winner, leaves the selection with a record of 146 goals in 234 matches. ^[4]

The announcement was made on social media by the striker who represented Portugal for more than two decades. ^[4]

The decision comes in the context of reported tensions between the player and the national team, especially during the last period of matches in the Nations League. ^[4]

The former Real Madrid player, now the best scorer in Portugal's history, chose to close this chapter of his career. ^[4]

Ronaldo retires with an exceptional record, including victories at the 2016 European Championship and the 2019 Nations League, at a time when Lionel Messi is approaching the end of his international career. ^[4]

“It’s time to hand over the number 7 shirt of our national team. I never considered it mine. For 23 years, I had the privilege and responsibility of wearing it,” Ronaldo declared, reading his farewell message in Portuguese. ^[4]

He highlighted the human side behind the sport: “I see Portuguese immigrants who, for 90 minutes, feel a little closer to home. I see millions of Portuguese I’ve never met, but who become a part of my life. Football means people.” ^[4]

The striker reflected on his journey: “I have always pushed boundaries. I have always asked for the best from myself. [...] I have never given up. Above all, I have never stopped feeling proud to represent Portugal.” ^[4]

His message included special gratitude addressed to former teammates, medical staff, managers, and coaches: “No captain goes alone. You will always be part of my story.” ^[4]

The announcement was accompanied by an image of Ronaldo wearing the national jersey and a reference to a post on Instagram. ^[4]

Update

Cristiano Ronaldo officially announces retirement from the Portugal National Team after 23 years

Cristiano Ronaldo officially announced his withdrawal from the Portugal national team after a 23-year career, during an emotional speech addressed to the Portuguese people. The 40-year-old footballer maintains his status as the most prolific scorer in men's international football history, with 146 goals in 234 matches, and confirms that he continues his professional activity at the Saudi club Al-Nassr. ^[8]

The announcement comes shortly after a period of tensions with coach Jorge Jesus, with whom Ronaldo disagreed; when the last match for the national team was played on September 24 in a 1-0 victory for Portugal against Wales, a score that placed “Portugal” first in their Nations League group. Although the coach suggested that Ronaldo would not start in the next matches, he decided to leave the camp. The Portuguese Federation later issued a press statement expressing deep gratitude and admiration for his contribution. His record includes victories at the 2016 European Championship and the inaugural 2019 UEFA Nations League edition, as well as appearances in six World Cup finals tournaments (2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022, and 2026). ^[8]

Ronaldo, who had accumulated 985 career goals, just one step away from reaching 1,000, dedicated his speech to the emotional moments lived in the national jersey, highlighting the impact of sport on the community: “I saw Portuguese who, for 90 minutes, felt a little closer to home... Football is about people. My road on the national field has ended. I retire with my head high. Proud of the path I have taken and knowing that I gave everything I could for Portugal, but I will always remain one of you. I will continue to suffer, support, and celebrate every victory of Portugal with a ‘Siuuu!’” ^[8]

Update

Ronaldo retires from the Portugal national team after 22 years and 146 goals

After spending 22 years in the Portugal national team jersey, Cristiano Ronaldo officially announced his withdrawal from the national team, putting an end to an era for Portuguese football. The 41-year-old striker, winner of five Ballon d'Or awards, leaves behind a record of 146 goals in 234 official and friendly matches. The announcement was made public on Thursday on social networks, confirming the player's decision to close this chapter after more than two decades representing the colors of his country. ^[9]

The decision comes amidst reported tensions with the national team, arising during the last period of matches in the Nations League, after Ronaldo left the training camp dissatisfied with the coach’s decision not to include him in the squad. The former Real Madrid star, who became the best scorer in Portugal's history, ultimately chose to close this chapter, consolidating his status as a central figure in European and international football. ^[9]

With 146 goals scored in 234 matches, Ronaldo retires from the international stage with an exceptional record, including victories at the 2016 European Championship and the inaugural 2019 UEFA Nations League edition, as well as the 2025 edition. ^[9]

“To the Portuguese people: it is time to give back the number 7 shirt of the national team,” Ronaldo declared, reading a letter in Portuguese. “I never felt it belonged solely to me. But for 23 years, I had the privilege and responsibility of wearing it, defending it, and carrying it on stadiums around the world. Today is the time to hand it over to the future. It was not an easy decision. But certain decisions are not taken with the mind alone. They are also taken with the heart.” ^[9]

“The journey, which began in 2003 and changed my life forever, has come to an end. When I look at everything I have experienced with the national team, I don’t see just matches, goals, records, or trophies. I see people. I see Portuguese immigrants who, for 90 minutes, feel a little closer to home. I see millions of Portuguese I have never met, but who become a part of my life. Because, after all, football is much more than a game. Football means people.” “Throughout my entire career in the national team, I have always pushed beyond limits. I wanted to win, to be the best, and to write history. I always demanded the best from myself. [...] I never gave up. Above all, I never stopped feeling proud to represent Portugal. [...] If I made you happy, if one of my goals made you embrace someone, forget a worry, or feel proud of our country, then everything was worth it. Being Portuguese means that too. We suffer together, we rise together, we believe again,” he said. ^[9]

“Portugal will always need young people who deserve to dream, players who never give up, new generations who believe it is possible to reach where no one has reached before. Because a country that continues to create new heroes is a country that does not stop believing in itself. To my teammates, I want to say something special: thank you for every run, every hug, every argument, for every moment of silence before entering the pitch, for every victory we celebrated together, and for every defeat that made us stronger. I had the privilege of being your captain, but no captain goes alone. You will always be part of my story. To all coaches, directors, doctors, physiotherapists, kit managers, staff members, and so many others who worked alongside me over these years, thank you. Many of you never appear in photos, but without you, none of those photos would have been possible,” Cristiano Ronaldo affirmed. The announcement was accompanied by a post on Instagram and X, titled “Portugal estará sempre em mim” (Portugal will always be in me), along with an image of him wearing the national team jersey. ^[9]

Ronaldo is set to make his television debut in a series titled “Day 1s” centered around a fictional football agent in the United Kingdom. The Portuguese star collaborates on this project with director Matthew Vaughn, known for the “Kingsman” franchise. Ronaldo will star in the series and serve as executive producer. According to the cited source, the series follows a fictional agent named Stanley Dalton, played by Damian Lewis, known from “Homeland” and “Billions,” and starts from a real idea by football agent Darren Dein. Filming has already begun in London, at the headquarters of FC Barnet. Alongside Lewis, the announced cast includes well-known names such as Thierry Henry—Ronaldo's former rival in the Premier League—and rapper Dave, as well as a less-known actress so far, Carlotta Banat. According to The Sun, the series aims to offer a realistic image of British football, moving away from the tone lightly associated with recent football-themed productions like “Ted Lasso.” Sources familiar with the series production stated that “it will probably spark a bidding war between streaming platforms. The caliber of the involved names, not to mention the cast, makes this a prestigious project, although it is surprising for Ronaldo, who is now transitioning into the dramatic area.” The series will reveal player transfers, contracts, the pressure exerted by agents, relationship tensions, and many other unknown aspects to the general public from the football industry. It will be Ronaldo's first acting role, alongside his football career. “Day 1s” will be the first series produced under the name UR•Marv Studios, the company founded by Ronaldo alongside Vaughn, a branch of Marv Studio, the director's studio, announced as early as last year. According to the company, the production studio has already completed two sports films. Vaughn founded the company earlier this year with the declared mission to produce a radical change in what he calls the “traditional” market of the film industry. The director believes that Ronaldo's native ability to “create stories on the field” can be translated into captivating cinematic and televised content. “Cristiano created stories on the field that I could never have written, and I cannot wait to create films that inspire, alongside him,” Vaughn declared about their partnership. Vaughn brings a distinct, action-oriented resume to this project, with films such as “Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels,” “Layer Cake,” and “X-Men: First Class” in his portfolio, in addition to the “Kingsman” franchise. ^[9]

The announcement comes at a transition moment for Ronaldo, who is now 41 years old and looking toward the future. The footballer continues to play for the Saudi club Al-Nassr, but his international career has recently ended, as Portugal was eliminated from the World Cup in the round of 16, following the loss to Spain, the team that would ultimately win the tournament. Widely considered one of the greatest players in football history and known mainly for his years at Real Madrid and Manchester United, Ronaldo seems to be planning a new chapter of his career, this time on screen rather than on the field. According to information appearing in the public sphere, Ronaldo is scheduled to play his last match for the national team against Wales, in the UEFA Nations League, on September 24, 2026, at the Jose Alvalade Stadium in Lisbon, stadium of his former club, Sporting CP. To date, however, this information remains merely at the rumor stage, without any official confirmation. ^[9]

Update

Tribute paid to Ronaldo by the President of Portugal and the Federation

The President of Portugal and the Portuguese Federation paid tribute to Cristiano Ronaldo upon the announcement of his retirement from international football. ^[11]

President António José Seguro sent a public message on Instagram, on behalf of Portugal, thanking Ronaldo for the way he represented the national team and for his leadership spirit. “I imagine this must be one of the most difficult days in Cristiano Ronaldo’s sports career, but I am sure that, as has happened countless times, the Portuguese are by his side,” the head of state specified. He added: “I also know that Portugal will always be able to count on his love for the country, which he will continue to represent with the same devotion.” ^[11]

The Portuguese Federation described Ronaldo in its communication as “an inspiring leader, an example of devotion, and the supreme symbol of the national team spirit.” The organization announced its intention to organize “a fitting tribute” in honor of Ronaldo’s career. “We have the firm and strong will to organize, plan, participate, and actively collaborate on what will always remain a tribute worthy of Cristiano Ronaldo’s immense career, within which fans and the country can applaud and celebrate once more the player who has given us so much. Thank you for everything, CAPTAIN,” the official statement read. ^[11]

After spending 22 years in the Portugal national team jersey, Cristiano Ronaldo announced on Thursday that he is ending his international career. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner leaves the national team with a record of 146 goals in 234 matches. ^[11]

Update

Cristiano Ronaldo officially announces his retirement from the Portugal national team after 23 years and 146 goals

Cristiano Ronaldo officially announced his withdrawal from the Portugal national team, closing a 23-year era in international football. The 41-year-old attacker became the most prolific scorer and holds the appearance record in men's football history, with a record of 146 goals in 234 matches for the national team. ^[12]

Update

Cristiano Ronaldo announces retirement from the Portugal national team after 23 years

Lisbon, Portugal — Cristiano Ronaldo announced on Thursday that he will no longer play for the Portugal national team, ending a career that spanned six World Cups and concluded with a continental title and the men's international football all-time record for goals. The announcement marks the end of an appreciated career, started well before the two decades preceding Euro 2004 and continued until he left the national team camp after a conflict with coach Jorge Jesus. “To the Portuguese people, it is time to hand over the number 7 shirt of our national team,” the 41-year-old Ronaldo declared in a long video message on social networks. “I never believed it belonged solely to me, but for 23 years I had the privilege and responsibility of wearing it, defending it, and taking it to stadiums around the world. Today it is time to hand it over to the future. It was not an easy decision, because some decisions are not taken just with the mind. They are also taken with the heart. A journey that began in August 2003 and changed my life forever has ended.” While Lionel Messi ended his career with Argentina after an anticipated farewell match, Ronaldo's last appearance with Portugal took place on September 24, in a 1-0 victory against Wales in the Nations League. Jesus kept him on the bench in the next match and stated he did not intend to start him in the following one, so Ronaldo decided to leave the training camp. Later, Jesus said that Ronaldo is welcome to return and that the decision lies with him. The Portuguese Football Federation issued a statement expressing “deep gratitude and immense admiration” for the services rendered to the country by Ronaldo. “Cristiano Ronaldo elevated the profile of Portugal and inspired generations of young people dreaming of following in his footsteps; for many of us, he is the greatest player of all time!” the federation stated, announcing its intention to organize a tribute where fans and the country can applaud and celebrate once more a player who has given them so much. Like Messi, Ronaldo will continue his career at the club level and is expected to finish his career at the end of this season with Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia. He is seeking to reach his 1,000th career goal and currently has 985. Among these, a record 146 were scored in 234 appearances with Portugal. ^[10]

Update

Official retirement of Cristiano Ronaldo from the Portugal national team

On November 5, 2026, Cristiano Ronaldo, aged 41, officially announced his withdrawal from the Portugal national team, in a video message posted on his social networks. The striker declared that the time has come to return the number 7 jersey to the next generation of footballers. However, the player will continue to play at the club level for his Saudi team Al-Nassr, FIFA clarified in its press release. “The day has arrived when we return the number 7 shirt of our national team. I never realized it was something exclusively mine,” Ronaldo affirmed in his thank-you speech. The use of the number 7 jersey has been an iconic part of his career since August 2003, when he made his debut for Portugal against Kazakhstan at the age of 18. Ronaldo stated that the decision was difficult and that he made it both rationally and emotionally. The changing room scene became a key moment. Throughout 23 years, wearing this jersey was for him an honor and a responsibility, defending it throughout the world. Now it is time to pass the place to the youngest generation. He thanked everyone who supported his career: fans, teammates, coaches, and family. He evoked not only victories, goals, and trophies, but also the people he met throughout these years. He also mentioned Portuguese living abroad who felt closer to home during national team matches. Also, millions of fans, whom he did not personally know, but who became part of his life. In conclusion, he declared that he leaves with his head high, proud of the path traveled and aware that he gave Portugal everything he had. All his life he dreamed of becoming the best player in the world, but now considers his greatest success the possibility of representing his homeland. He expressed the conviction that the national team will remain in his heart forever and that he will joyfully follow its successes further ahead. Cristiano Ronaldo's successes with the Portugal national team. Ronaldo made his debut for the national team on August 20, 2003, against Kazakhstan, at the age of 18. Since then, he became one of the most well-known players in the country's history and set many records. During his presence at the national team, Ronaldo achieved the following accomplishments: One of the main achievements was the victory with the national team at the 2016 European Championship in France, where Portugal defeated France 1-0 after extra time in the final. Ronaldo was the team captain but was injured in the semi-final and had to leave the field in the first half. Nevertheless, he continued to encourage his teammates from the bench. Later, with the national team, he won two other important trophies – the UEFA Nations League in 2019 and 2025. Ronaldo’s last World Cup edition was the one held in 2026 in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. Portugal qualified from the groups and defeated Croatia 2-1 on July 3. The first leg of the round of 16 was lost to Spain 0-1 on July 6. At his sixth World Cup, he scored three times, increasing his total goals at World Cups to 11. Ronaldo’s last goal for the national team was a penalty kick against Croatia on July 3, 2026. Ronaldo’s last official match for the national team took place on September 24, 2026, against Wales in the Nations League. Portugal won 1-0 thanks to a goal by João Félix. Ronaldo left the stadium, staying on the field for 67 minutes, but failed to score. Information about Ronaldo's departure from the national team and continuation of his football career. The decision came after a difficult period in the relationship between Ronaldo and the head coach of the national team, Jorge Jesus. After the 2026 World Cup, Jorge Jesus became the head coach of the national team. On September 27, Ronaldo sat on the bench for the Nations League match against Norway, which Portugal won 2-1. The player did not enter the field, being prepared for potential offensive substitutes. Later, he accused the coach of breaking promises regarding playing time. On September 30, he left without permission the Training Center in Copenhagen, where preparations for the match against Denmark were underway. Later, he apologized to fans and teammates, admitted his mistake, and said he was willing to accept punishment. At that time, he emphasized that he still wished to play for Portugal. On October 19, the Portuguese Football Federation announced the exclusion of Ronaldo for 30 days and a fine of €255 for unauthorized departure from the national team camp. The penalty was announced on October 1 and ended at the end of that month. The sanction should not prevent Ronaldo from playing in November matches, if requested by the federation. Jorge Jesus denied making promises regarding playing time to Ronaldo, but did not restrict him from returning to the national team. Ronaldo himself, in his November 5 speech, did not mention the conflict with the coach as the reason for resignation. He focused primarily on the honor of Portugal and the people who supported him for 23 years. According to the Nations League program, the Portugal national team must play two remaining group matches: on November 14 against Denmark and on November 17 against Wales. The Portuguese Football Federation thanked Ronaldo for his long-term performances and expressed its intention to organize a special event in his honor. The organization mentioned that he was not only an exceptional athlete but also a captain who inspired teammates and several generations of young Portuguese. The institution announced that it wishes to organize a retirement ceremony commensurate with his career, so that fans can thank him once more for everything he did for the national team. The date of the ceremony has not been communicated so far. Ending the career at the national team does not mean that Ronaldo completely abandons football. The 41-year-old striker continues to play for the Saudi club Al-Nassr, having extended his contract on June 26, 2025, until 2027. Ronaldo continues to pursue his 1,000-career-goal record. According to Associated Press, by November 5, 2026, he has 985 goals in official matches for clubs and the national team. Even though he announced the end of activity at the international competition level, his participations at the club level continue. ^[13]

Update

Ronaldo retires from the Portugal national team. Cristiano Ronaldo's message at the retirement announcement: “It’s time to hand over the number 7 shirt”

Cristiano Ronaldo officially announced his withdrawal from the Portugal national team on November 5, 2026, via social networks, marking the end of a 23-year era at the national level. The Portuguese, aged 41, leaves the squad with a historic record of 146 goals in 234 appearances, both being world men's records, and with titles at the 2016 European Championship and the Nations League in 2019 and 2025. The decision was accompanied by an emotional message, in which the player declared that it is time to hand over the number 7 jersey to the next generation, without directly mentioning internal conflicts. ^[15]

The tribute to the legend was immediate, with the President of Portugal, António José Seguro, joining the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) in praising Ronaldo. The head of state transmitted that Portugal will always count on the player's devotion, while the FPF described the attacker as an “inspirational leader” and a “supreme symbol of the national team spirit.” The Federation announced its intention to organize a fitting tribute in honor of Ronaldo's career, in a gesture that contrasts with the tense atmosphere surrounding the announcement. ^[15]

Ronaldo's retirement comes shortly after a public conflict with the new coach of Portugal, Jorge Jesus, which generated visible tensions within the squad. The dispute culminated with Ronaldo's unauthorized departure from the training camp in September 2026, after he was not substituted into the match against Norway and was kept on the bench for the next match, an incident that led to a 30-day suspension and a fine from the Federation. Although in his official speech Ronaldo did not refer to these incidents, the context of the conflict overshadowed the announcement, leading to speculation that the attacker preferred to retire rather than risk permanent exclusion from the squad. ^[15]

The announcement of Cristiano Ronaldo's retirement, valid from November 5, 2026, marks the end of 23 years of presence in the Portugal national team jersey. The Portuguese, aged 41, leaves the squad with a historic record of 146 goals in 234 appearances, both numbers being world men's records. The context of Ronaldo's retirement is marked by internal tensions with coach Jorge Jesus. The dispute culminated with Ronaldo's unauthorized departure from the training camp in September 2026, after the new selector kept him on the bench during the Nations League matches, thus motivating the player's decision not to continue in the national team. From the perspective of his history in international football, Ronaldo remains a footballer who never won the World Cup, although he scored in six different editions of the tournament. However, Portugal has stated that the actor deserves a fitting tribute, opening the possibility of a final appearance on the field for a final farewell to supporters. ^[15]

The official retirement of Cristiano Ronaldo from the Portugal national team, announced on November 5, 2026, was made through social networks, in an informal setting contrasting with sports customs. Although he enjoyed popularity for over two decades, the moment of the announcement was darkened by a recent conflict with coach Jorge Jesus. Cristiano Ronaldo ends his international activity with an unparalleled record in men's football: 234 matches played and 146 goals scored for Portugal. These performances helped the Portuguese become champions at Euro 2016 and the Nations League in 2019 and 2025. The end of Ronaldo's international career was marked by a confrontation over his place in the team. The conflict with coach Jorge Jesus, which led to Ronaldo's exclusion from the squad and subsequently his retirement, highlights the tension between the continuous ambitions of the veteran and the needs of a new generation of Portuguese football. Ronaldo's decision to retire came shortly after a public conflict with coach Jorge Jesus. The latter, who wanted to change the squad's generation, did not insert him into the field in the match against Norway, and when Ronaldo refused the bench, the conflict became irreconcilable for the moment, causing the Portuguese to leave the camp. Although the end of Ronaldo's career at the national level was marked by difficult moments and controversies, his achievements in international championships remain indisputable and easily superior. Portugal imposed itself internationally while Ronaldo was in form: at the 2016 European Championship and the 2019 and 2025 editions of the UEFA Nations League. The international trophies won by Portugal, along with Ronaldo's individual achievements, form the nucleus of the country's football identity, crystallizing his status as unique. ^[15]

Ronaldo's international career began in August 2003, at the age of 18, in a match against Kazakhstan. The following year, just one year after his debut, the Portuguese tasted bitterness in the lost final of the European Championship at home, against Greece. Revenge and redemption for the 2004 lost final came 12 years later, but in a paradoxical situation: Portugal won the European title in 2016, but captain Ronaldo was forced to watch the final from the bench due to an injury. In the Euro 2016 final against France, Ronaldo was injured in the first half and left the field crying, leaving his teammates to take charge. Nevertheless, he remained on the sidelines supporting the team, until the trophy was won. The biggest team success in Ronaldo's career came after his direct physical participation in a decisive match was stopped by injury, highlighting the shift from lead actor to leader symbol. Winning the World Cup remains the only major unachieved objective in Ronaldo's international record. Ronaldo became the only player in history to score at six different editions of the World Cup, finishing his career with 11 goals in this competition. These personal milestones did not materialize in a World Cup victory. His last incursion into the World Cup was in 2026, when Portugal was eliminated in the quarter-finals by Spain, the team that subsequently won the tournament, closing any realistic chance at the trophy. Goals scored by Ronaldo at World Cups were characterized by a specific distribution: ten of the eleven goals came in the group stage, the only goal from the knockout phase being one scored in a penalty shootout against Croatia. ^[15]

Ronaldo's presence at the 2024 European Championship, his last major appearance, intensified the debate regarding his role in the squad and his physical effectiveness. In 2024, eight years after winning Euro 2016, Ronaldo did not score any goals while Portugal was eliminated in the quarter-finals. His performances sparked criticism, raising an uncomfortable question about the viability of extending his career: if Portugal still needed that record goal-scorer who was no longer the most athletic. The conflict with the new coach, Jorge Jesus, brought this internal debate to the forefront. The retirement announcement on November 5, 2026, put an end to this gradual elimination process of Ronaldo from the national squad. The death of Cristiano Ronaldo's international retirement marks a clear differentiation moment from his long-time rival, Lionel Messi. Messi officially parted ways with Argentina, in a scenario celebrated by Argentine fans, Ronaldo's retirement comes a year after Messi's end of career at the national level. Argentine fans offered Messi a public tribute in Buenos Aires in October 2026, immediately after Argentina reached the World Cup final. Ronaldo's retirement, coming in the context of internal disputes with the coach and Portuguese Federation management, contrasts strongly with the warm and united atmosphere that surrounded Messi at his farewell. The Portuguese Football Federation released a statement honoring Ronaldo for his contributions and mentioned that he deserves a fitting tribute. It left the door open for the possibility of a final official farewell match on the field. Regardless of the final circumstances of his retirement, the lack of a spectacular farewell on a stadium, in front of his supporters, leaves a note of melancholy. Debates about the optimal moment when Ronaldo should have retired will continue. However, his records and the trophies won will remain as evidence of how he transformed the football dreams of Portugal. ^[15]

Cristiano Ronaldo's goodbye video was a moment of intense emotions and humility, surprising for an athlete known for his self-confidence and obsession with statistics. “Over the years, I have learned a few very simple things. Goals fade, trophies go to museums, and records are eventually surpassed. But there is something that time cannot erase: the place we occupy in people's hearts. If I ever made you happy, if one of my goals ever made you embrace someone, forget a worry, or feel proud of our country, then everything was worth it.” These words closed the 23-year cycle of his love for the nation. However, the contextual bitterness of this farewell remained visible. Just one month earlier, Ronaldo had left the national team camp in anger, in a public scandal with coach Jorge Jesus, who was trying to impose a new era. Although he accepted the mild penalty imposed by the Federation and many expected him to be called up for the matches against Denmark and Wales, Ronaldo decided to announce his retirement before the publication of the selector's official list. The chronology of these events suggests that the attacker wished to avoid a possible new conflict or exclusion. The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) reacted quickly with a statement that ignored any resentments. The FPF declared that it refuses for this farewell to occur without a deserved tribute, announcing its intention to actively and efficiently organize an event to celebrate Ronaldo's career. Although his video message let it be understood that he will no longer ever play in the Portugal jersey, the FPF kept the door open for a final pause on the field, similar to the manner in which it was done for Messi. ^[14]