Former Manchester United and Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to an extraordinary 23-year career with Portugal.
The 41-year-old Al Nassr superstar bows out as Portugal’s record goalscorer and most-capped player, having registered an incredible 146 goals in 234 appearances for his country.
Ronaldo confirmed the news on social media on Thursday morning, sharing an emotional farewell message alongside the caption: “Portugal will always be in me.”
The announcement marks the end of an era for Portuguese football, with Ronaldo having established himself as one of the greatest players ever to represent his country.
Ronaldo brings legendary Portugal career to an end
Since making his international debut in 2003, Ronaldo has enjoyed a remarkable journey with Portugal, featuring in 12 major tournaments, including six World Cups and six European Championships.
His greatest achievement came at Euro 2016, when he captained Portugal to their first major international trophy.
Ronaldo subsequently helped his country secure two UEFA Nations League titles, in 2019 and 2025.
Despite Portugal’s disappointing exit from the most recent World Cup at the round-of-16 stage against eventual champions Spain, Ronaldo’s contribution to the national team remains unparalleled.
The forward had previously indicated that the tournament would be his final appearance at a World Cup, although he was reluctant to make any immediate decisions about his international future.
Ronaldo reflects on emotional Portugal farewell
In his retirement statement, Ronaldo reflected on the significance of representing his country and expressed his pride in everything he had achieved in a Portugal shirt.
“Today I finish my walk on the pitch with the national team. I leave with my head held high, with pride in the path I took, and with the awareness that I gave everything I had for Portugal,” he said.
“The goals pass, the cups are in museums, the records end up being beaten. But there is something that time can never erase, the place we occupy in people’s hearts.
“I spent my life working to be the best player in the world. Today I realise that the greatest victory was to have deserved to represent the best country in the world.”
Ronaldo also thanked his team-mates, coaches, family and supporters for their backing throughout his international career.
“Thank you for these 23 years. Thank you for having believed in me. Portugal will always be in me. Forever,” he added.
Portuguese FA pay tribute to ‘inspiring leader’
The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) has released a heartfelt tribute to Ronaldo, praising his extraordinary achievements and the dedication he demonstrated throughout his time representing the national team.
The federation also confirmed that a special tribute will be organised in his honour in the future.
Their statement read: “It is with a feeling of profound gratitude and immense admiration that the Portuguese Football Federation publicly praises and thanks Cristiano Ronaldo for his absolutely extraordinary career serving our country.
“More than just an outstanding athlete, our captain was an inspiring leader, an example of dedication, and the ultimate symbol of the spirit of our national team.
“Throughout a legendary international career, marked by 234 caps and 146 goals scored, the captain carried the country on his shoulders, broke records, and led the team to moments that will forever be etched in the history of national football.
“Every drop of sweat, every decisive goal, and every captain’s armband worn with pride on the field reflected his unconditional love for our jersey.
“Thank you for everything, CAPTAIN! This will always be your home! Let’s go for goal 1,000!”
Ronaldo’s final outing for Portugal was a 1-0 victory over Wales, meaning he finishes his international career with a win.
Bruno Fernandes pays tribute to childhood idol
Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes was also quick to acknowledge Ronaldo’s influence, paying an emotional tribute to the former Portugal captain.
Fernandes described the opportunity to play alongside his childhood hero as a privilege.
“Thank you for the inspiration. It was a privilege to share great moments for our team with my childhood idol,” Fernandes said.
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