Cristiano Ronaldo retires from Portugal international football
Portuguese football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football after 23 years representing his country. This brings an end extraordinary career in which he became Portugal's all-time leading goalscorer and the most-capped male international footballer in history.
The 41-year-old forward made the announcement on Thursday, November 5, 2026, through an emotional farewell letter addressed to Portuguese supporters, in which he reflected on his journey, the sacrifices, victories, painful defeats and unforgettable memories that defined his time with the national team. Ronaldo, who made his senior international debut in August 2003, leaves Portugal with 234 appearances and 146 goals, records that place him at the top of men's international football in both categories.
In his farewell message, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner said the decision to step away from the national team was difficult because of the emotional connection he had developed with the country and its supporters over more than two decades. "The day has come to hand back the shirt and the captain's armband of the national team that belongs to all of us.
I never felt that it was exclusively mine, but for 23 years, I had the privilege and responsibility of wearing it, defending it, and carrying it with me to stadiums all around the world. Today, the moment has come to pass it on to the future," Ronaldo wrote.
He explained that his international journey had been about much more than football statistics, trophies and individual records, describing his relationship with Portuguese supporters as one of the most important parts of his career. "I am bringing to an end a journey that began in August 2003 and changed my life forever.
When I look back and think about everything I experienced with the national team, I don't just see matches, goals, records, or trophies. Ronaldo also acknowledged the difficult moments he experienced while representing Portugal, admitting that there were occasions when he failed to deliver the results supporters expected, but insisted that he never stopped giving his best.
There were perfect afternoons and nights. There were victories I will never forget.
There were defeats that still hurt to remember today. There were moments when I couldn't give the Portuguese people what they wanted so badly.
And above all, I never stopped feeling proud to represent Portugal," he said. The forward, who captained Portugal through some of its most successful years, said records and trophies eventually become part of history, but the memories created with supporters remain more important.