Cristiano Ronaldo has brought his 23-year international career with Portugal to an end, announcing his retirement from the national team at the age of 41.
The Al Nassr forward made the announcement in a video shared on his Instagram page, reflecting on the honour of representing his country and the responsibility that came with wearing Portugal’s iconic number seven shirt.
Ronaldo described the decision to step away from international football as an emotional one, saying his time with the national team had shaped his life.
“To the Portuguese people, the day has come for me to hand back the number seven shirt of our national team.
“I never felt it belonged to me alone, but for 23 years I had the privilege and responsibility of wearing it, defending it and carrying it with me into stadiums all around the world.”
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner said he was ready to hand over the responsibility to the next generation, although reaching the decision had not been easy.
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“Today the time has come to pass it on to the future. It was not an easy decision, because some decisions are not made with the mind alone – they are also made with the heart.
“A journey that began in August 2003 and changed my life forever has come to an end,” he said.
His announcement comes slightly over a month after a disagreement with Portugal coach Jorge Jesus, following his omission from a UEFA Nations League fixture and subsequent departure from the team’s camp in Denmark.
The striker later apologised for his behaviour and received a one-month suspension alongside a fine of slightly more than €500.
Ronaldo made his international debut in August 2003 in a 1-0 victory over Kazakhstan.
He went on to earn 234 caps, with his final appearance coming in Portugal’s 1-0 win against Wales in September.
With 141 international goals, he finishes his Portugal career as the country’s highest-ever goalscorer.
His international achievements include helping Portugal win the UEFA European Championship in 2016 and two UEFA Nations League titles in 2019 and 2025, making him one of the most decorated players in the country’s football history.