Cristiano Ronaldo has officially announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to his remarkable 23-year career with Portugal. The 41-year-old football legend confirmed his decision on November 5, 2026, through an emotional social media video, revealing that he was ready to hand over the national team’s iconic number seven shirt. However, Ronaldo has not retired from professional football entirely and will continue playing for Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr.
The announcement comes after weeks of uncertainty surrounding Ronaldo’s international future, including a disagreement with Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus and a disciplinary suspension. His departure marks the end of an extraordinary national team career that included 234 appearances, 146 goals and three major international trophies.
Did Cristiano Ronaldo Retire From Football Completely?
Cristiano Ronaldo has retired from international football but remains active at club level.
The Portuguese forward confirmed that he would no longer represent his country after more than two decades of international competition. His decision means he will not participate in future Portugal matches or international tournaments.
However, Ronaldo continues to play for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, where he remains an important attacking player.
His retirement announcement specifically concerned the Portugal national team, rather than his entire professional career.
Ronaldo is also continuing his pursuit of 1,000 official career goals, a milestone that has attracted considerable attention as he approaches the closing stages of his playing career.
Why Did Cristiano Ronaldo Retire From Portugal?
Ronaldo’s retirement followed a difficult period involving Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus.
Tensions developed during the September international fixtures when Ronaldo was left on the bench for a match against Norway.
The situation escalated after the veteran forward left Portugal’s training camp without permission on September 30.
Ronaldo subsequently received a 30-day suspension and a financial penalty from the Portuguese Football Federation.
He later acknowledged that leaving the camp had not been the right way to handle the disagreement but also accused Jesus of failing to keep promises concerning his playing time.
Although the coach indicated that Ronaldo remained welcome in the national team, the forward ultimately decided to end his international career.
In his farewell message, Ronaldo described the decision as emotional and thanked his teammates, coaches, family and Portuguese supporters.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s International Career Records and Achievements
Cristiano Ronaldo made his senior international debut for Portugal in August 2003, beginning a career that would establish him as one of football’s most successful international players.
Across 23 years, he accumulated 234 appearances and scored 146 goals, setting men’s international records in both categories.
His achievements included captaining Portugal to victory at UEFA Euro 2016, the country’s first major international trophy.
He also helped Portugal win the UEFA Nations League in 2019 and again in 2025.
Ronaldo appeared in six FIFA World Cup tournaments and became the first male player to score at six different editions of the competition.
During the 2026 World Cup in North America, he scored three goals, taking his overall World Cup tally to 11.
Portugal’s campaign ended with a defeat against eventual champions Spain in the round of 16.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Emotional Retirement Announcement
Ronaldo shared his retirement decision in a video posted on social media, reflecting on the responsibility of representing Portugal for more than two decades.
He explained that wearing the national team’s number seven shirt had always represented something greater than personal achievement.
The former Manchester United and Real Madrid forward also acknowledged the emotional difficulty of ending a journey that began when he was a teenager.
Rather than focusing exclusively on goals and trophies, Ronaldo emphasized the importance of his teammates, supporters and the memories created while representing his country.
The Portuguese Football Federation responded by expressing gratitude for his contributions and indicating that it intended to organize a tribute honoring his international career.
Will Cristiano Ronaldo Continue Playing for Al-Nassr?
Ronaldo remains an active player for Al-Nassr and has not announced his retirement from club football.
He joined the Saudi Arabian club in 2023 after leaving Manchester United and has continued competing in the Saudi Pro League.
His professional career has included successful spells at Sporting CP, Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus before his move to Saudi Arabia.
With his international commitments now ending, Ronaldo can concentrate on his remaining club career and his pursuit of further scoring milestones.
Although his time representing Portugal has concluded, his influence on Portuguese football remains substantial.
Ronaldo leaves international football as his country’s record appearance holder and leading goalscorer, with a legacy defined by individual records, major trophies and more than two decades at the highest level.
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