After 23 years, Cristiano Ronaldo calls time on his Portugal career
Cristiano leaves Portugal's training camp (Photo: cristiano, Instagram)
Legendary striker Cristiano Ronaldo has officially ended his international career with Portugal. The 41-year-old forward’s decision is final and irreversible following a clash with head coach Jorge Jesus, according to O Jogo.
Dramatic departure and Jorge Jesus' decision
Ronaldo's final appearance in a Portugal shirt came in a 67-minute stint against Wales. He then spent the entire match against Norway on the bench, publicly expressing his frustration.
The situation came to a head on September 30. During a press conference, Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus announced that Cristiano would also be left out of the squad for the upcoming match against Denmark. The coach stressed that he respects the star player's status but has sole authority over team selection.
In response, Ronaldo staged a dramatic departure:
- The forward immediately left the national team's training camp and flew to Madrid on a private jet.
- Cristiano issued a brief statement in which he promised to "tell the Portuguese the whole truth someday."
- Portuguese media outlets report that his decision is final rather than temporary.
Ronaldo's era with Portugal: Records and trophies
Cristiano Ronaldo represented Portugal for more than 23 years, making his international debut on August 20, 2003, in a friendly against Kazakhstan.
During that time, the legendary striker etched his name into football history. Ronaldo has made 234 appearances for Portugal and scored 146 goals, both of which are national-team records.
With Portugal, Ronaldo won the 2016 European Championship and lifted the UEFA Nations League trophy twice.
