UPDATE 3-Soccer-Portugal's Ronaldo announces international retirement

‌Cristiano Ronaldo said on Thursday he was retiring from the Portugal team, bringing the curtain down on one of the most illustrious international careers in the history of football. The 41-year-old announced that the time had come to "hand back the number 7 shirt", ‌ending his international career.

Ronaldo captained Portugal to their first major trophy at Euro 2016 and helped them win the 2019 and 2025 Nations Leagues. "It was not an easy decision, because there are decisions that are not made only with the head.

They are also made with the heart," Ronaldo said on social media. "If I ever made you happy, if one of ‌my goals ever made you hug someone, forget a worry or feel proud of our country, then it was all worth it.

Ronaldo thanked his family, the Portuguese ‌people and the teammates, coaches and staff he worked with over his 23-year career with the national team. Portugal will always be a part of me," he captioned the announcement video.

Ronaldo has made 234 appearances for Portugal and scored 146 goals. He holds the men's all-time record for international appearances and for international goals.

A five-times Ballon d'Or winner, Ronaldo is the first player to score in six different editions of the World ⁠Cup, the first coming in 2006. His final international tournament appearance ⁠was at the 2026 World Cup, where he tried to win the one major trophy that has eluded him.

Portugal exited in the last 16 with a 1-0 loss to eventual champions and Iberian rivals ⁠Spain. Ronaldo did, however, join Argentina's Lionel Messi as the only players to feature at six global tournaments, one of a host of international records set by the Al-Nassr forward.

RONALDO APOLOGY Ronaldo left the Portugal camp at the end of September ahead of their Nations League match against Denmark without permission and did not return. He later cited broken promises ⁠from manager Jorge Jesus as the reason for his departure.

Jesus denied making any agreement with Ronaldo but left the door open for his return following Portugal's 2-1 win. After Ronaldo apologised and said he remained available for international ⁠selection, the Portuguese Football Federation suspended the forward for 30 days and fined him €255 ($287.16).