Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football, bringing the curtain down on a 23-year career with Portugal. The 41-year-old made the announcement in an emotional video on Instagram on Thursday, November 5, leaving the national team as the highest scorer and most-capped player in men’s international football history.
The decision comes weeks after a public fall-out with Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus. Ronaldo will continue to play club football for Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia.
Cristiano Ronaldo Retirement: Key Details
| Announcement | Thursday, November 5, 2026, via Instagram video |
| Retiring from | International football (Portugal) |
| Age | 41 |
| Portugal career | 23 years |
| Appearances | 234 (men’s international record) |
| Goals | 146 (men’s international record) |
| Major trophies with Portugal | Euro 2016, Nations League 2019 and 2025 |
| Last match | Portugal 1-0 Wales, Nations League, Lisbon, September 24 |
| Club | Al Nassr (contract until June 2027) |
What Cristiano Ronaldo Said
In a video statement lasting around five minutes, Ronaldo thanked Portugal and its fans for more than two decades of support.
“Today I finish my walk on the pitch with the national team,” Ronaldo said. “I leave with my head held high, with pride in the path I took.”
He added, “The goals pass, the cups are in museums, the records end up being beaten,” saying that “the greatest victory was to have deserved to represent the best country in the world.”
Ronaldo closed his message with, “Thank you for these 23 years. Portugal will always be in me. Forever.”
He described the decision as one that was not made only with the head, but with the heart as well. Ronaldo also said he will give up the famous number 7 shirt after the November international break.
Why Did Ronaldo Retire? The Jorge Jesus Fall-Out
Ronaldo’s announcement follows a difficult few weeks with the national team. Portugal coach Jorge Jesus, who also coached Ronaldo at Al Nassr, left him on the bench for the 2-1 Nations League win away to Norway on October 4. It was the first time in 18 years that Ronaldo had been an unused substitute for Portugal.
Ronaldo then walked out of the national team camp. He later accused Jesus of breaking promises about his playing time. The Portuguese Football Federation suspended him for 30 days over the walkout, a ban he has now served. Ronaldo apologised to his teammates for leaving the camp, but did not apologise to Jesus.
The retirement announcement came just a day before Jesus was due to name Portugal’s squad for the upcoming Nations League matches against Denmark and Wales.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal Career in Numbers
| Record | Detail |
|---|---|
| International appearances | 234, the most by any men’s player |
| International goals | 146, the most by any men’s player |
| Years with Portugal | 23 |
| World Cups played | 6 |
| Euro 2016 | Winner, as captain |
| UEFA Nations League | Winner in 2019 and 2025 |
| Ballon d’Or | 5 times |
Ronaldo made his Portugal debut as a teenager and went on to become the face of Portuguese football. His biggest moment came at Euro 2016, when he captained Portugal to their first-ever major trophy. He also helped them win the UEFA Nations League in 2019 and again in 2025.
The one trophy that eluded him was the FIFA World Cup. He played at six World Cups, a record, including the 2026 tournament this summer, but never lifted the trophy.
Ronaldo and Messi: End of an Era
Ronaldo’s retirement from international football comes less than a month after his long-time rival Lionel Messi played his final match for Argentina. With both players stepping away from international football within weeks of each other, it marks the end of one of the greatest rivalries in the history of the sport.
Is Cristiano Ronaldo Retiring From Football?
No. Ronaldo is only retiring from international football. He will continue to play for Al Nassr, where his contract runs until June 2027.
However, the end of his playing career may not be far away. In an interview with Vogue published in August, Ronaldo said the 2026-27 season is “probably my last year,” adding that he wants to “leave a spectacular legacy.” He said he plans to spend more time with his family, travel more and play padel after he retires.
For now, Portugal will have to begin a new era without the player who has defined the team for more than two decades.