Cristiano Ronaldo Announces Retirement from International Football After 23-Year Portugal Career
Portuguese football legend Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his decision to retire from international football, bringing an end to his illustrious 23-year career with the national team. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner made the announcement on Thursday, November 5, through social media.
The 41-year-old forward has indicated that he will step away from international football after the completion of Portugal’s November international fixtures. His decision marks the end of an extraordinary journey that began in 2003, when he first represented Portugal at the international level.
However, Ronaldo’s announcement is limited to international football. He has not announced his retirement from club football and continues to play for Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr.
Rift with Jorge Jesus amid retirement decision
Ronaldo’s decision has also drawn attention amid reports of a disagreement with Portugal’s new head coach, Jorge Jesus.
Jesus took charge of the Portuguese national team in September 2026. Differences reportedly emerged between the coach and Ronaldo over the forward’s role in the team and the amount of playing time he would receive.
During a Nations League match against Norway, Ronaldo was reportedly assured that he would be given the final 30 minutes of the game. He even warmed up during the second half, but was ultimately not brought onto the pitch.
The incident reportedly strained relations between the two. Ronaldo subsequently left Portugal’s training camp ahead of the match against Denmark.
Ronaldo faced a 30-day suspension
Following his departure from the training camp, the Portuguese Football Federation reportedly took disciplinary action against the star forward.
He was handed a 30-day suspension and fined €255. Ronaldo later acknowledged his mistake and apologised to his teammates and Portuguese supporters.
He also made it clear that, despite being the national team captain, he was not above the rules.
Previously, Ronaldo had indicated that he would remain available for Portugal as long as he was physically fit and continued playing at club level. His latest announcement, however, brings an end to speculation surrounding his international future.
A historic 23-year journey with Portugal
Ronaldo made his international debut for Portugal in August 2003 against Kazakhstan. Over the next 23 years, he became one of the most influential figures in the country’s football history.
He made 234 international appearances for Portugal, scoring 146 goals. He holds the world records for the most appearances and the most goals in men’s international football.
Under his leadership, Portugal won its first-ever UEFA European Championship title in 2016. The team also lifted the UEFA Nations League trophy in 2019 and 2025.
Ronaldo has also achieved remarkable milestones in FIFA World Cup history. By scoring at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, he became the first male footballer to score in six different editions of the tournament.
Club football career to continue
Although Ronaldo is stepping away from international football, he has not announced his retirement from professional club football.
The Portuguese superstar currently plays for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia and reportedly remains focused on achieving the remarkable milestone of scoring 1,000 career goals.
Ronaldo’s international retirement marks the end of a remarkable chapter in world football. Although fans will no longer see him wearing Portugal’s iconic No. 7 jersey, his records, achievements and extraordinary contribution to the game will remain part of football history.
