Cristiano Ronaldo announces Portugal retirement after 23-year international career

Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football after 23 years with Portugal, ending a national-team career that brought European Championship success and record totals of 234 appearances and 146 goals.

The 41-year-old announced his decision in a farewell video on Thursday, 5 November. He will continue playing club football for Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr.

“The day has come for me to hand back the number 7 shirt of our national team,” Ronaldo said. “I never thought it belonged to me alone. But for 23 years, I had the privilege and the responsibility of wearing it.”

He said the decision had not been easy and that it was time to pass the responsibility to the next generation. His final appearance and goal totals are both records in men’s international football.

From his 2003 debut to European success

Ronaldo made his senior Portugal debut on 20 August 2003, replacing Luis Figo at half-time in a friendly against Kazakhstan. Portugal won 1-0, beginning an international career that would span six World Cups and six European Championships.

His most significant national-team triumph came at Euro 2016, when he captained Portugal to their first major international trophy. Portugal defeated hosts France 1-0 in the final in Paris, although Ronaldo’s own match ended with an injury during the first half.

After leaving the pitch in tears, he remained an animated presence on the touchline as Portugal secured the title. He finished the tournament with three goals and three assists and was named in its team of the tournament.

Further success followed in the Nations League. Portugal won the inaugural competition in 2019, beating the Netherlands 1-0 in the final, and lifted the trophy again in 2025. Ronaldo scored in the latter final against Spain, which ended 2-2 before Portugal won on penalties.

He also leaves as the leading scorer in European Championship history, with 14 goals.

Club career continues with 1,000 goals in sight

The announcement ends Ronaldo’s Portugal career rather than his playing career. He remains with Al-Nassr, with the pursuit of 1,000 senior career goals providing his next major target.

BBC Sport puts his current total at 985, leaving him 15 short of that milestone.

His club career has included spells at Sporting, Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus. He won five Ballons d’Or and five Champions League titles, and remains the Champions League’s all-time leading scorer.

For Portugal, the announcement closes a career stretching from his teenage years into his forties. For Ronaldo, the focus now shifts entirely to club football and the remaining goals needed to reach his next milestone.