Official: Ronaldo says goodbye to Portugal national team
Cristiano Ronaldo (photo: Getty Images)
Legendary striker Cristiano Ronaldo has officially announced his retirement from the Portugal national team. The 41-year-old captain announced his departure in a special message to fans, reflecting on more than two decades of representing his country, according to Ronaldo's personal Instagram account.
Farewell following a controversy
The decision to end his international career comes amid a controversy surrounding an incident during the previous Nations League window. The forward left the national team camp without permission after being left out of the starting lineup for the match against Norway. The player was suspended and fined, accelerating his final departure from the national team.
"Today, the time has come to pass the No. 7 on to the next generation. It wasn't an easy decision, as steps like this are taken not just with the head, but with the heart. A journey that began in August 2003 and changed my life forever is coming to an end. My greatest victory is the honor of representing the best country in the world," Cristiano said.
23 years with Portugal
Ronaldo represented Portugal for 23 years. Since making his international debut in August 2003, he has made 234 appearances for the national team, scoring 146 goals and setting a world record for the most goals in international football.
The peak of his career with Portugal came in 2016, when he helped the team win the European Championship.
He also won the UEFA Nations League trophy twice, in 2019 and 2025.
