Gianni Infantino salutes Cristiano Ronaldo’s lasting Portugal legacy

Fifa president Gianni Infantino has paid tribute to Cristiano Ronaldo after the Portugal captain announced the end of his international career following 23 years with the national team.

Ronaldo shared an emotional video on Thursday through his Instagram and X accounts, telling the Portuguese public that he was ready to give up the number seven shirt he had worn and defended for more than two decades.

Infantino responded with a message on his official Instagram account, describing Ronaldo as one of the few players to have connected with football supporters across the world.

“Few players have managed to touch the hearts of football fans around the world like Cristiano Ronaldo,” Infantino wrote. “A career defined by exceptional talent, unwavering determination and a constant desire to push the limits of what is possible.”

The Fifa president also highlighted the records that have made Ronaldo’s international career unique. He referred to the forward as the all-time leading scorer in international football and the first player in the history of the game to score in six different World Cup editions, from 2006 to 2026.

Infantino described those achievements as records “that may never be repeated”.

“Cristiano has achieved things that may never be repeated, but his greatest legacy goes far beyond records, trophies and goals,” he added. “He has inspired generations, united millions of fans and carried Portugal’s hopes and pride to the greatest stages in the world.”

He concluded by thanking Ronaldo for his contribution to the national team and to football.

“Thank you, Cristiano, for your passion, the unforgettable moments and the enormous contribution you have made to our beautiful sport, proudly wearing the Portugal shirt,” Infantino said. “Your international career will remain part of football history forever.”

Ronaldo said in his announcement that the number seven shirt had never felt as though it belonged only to him, despite the honour and responsibility of wearing it for 23 years.

“Today has come the day to return our national team’s number seven shirt,” Ronaldo said. “I never felt that it belonged only to me, but for 23 years I had the honour and responsibility of wearing and defending it.”

“Today it is time to hand it over to the future. It was not an easy decision. Some decisions are not made by the mind alone; the heart also has a role in making them.”

He also thanked his team-mates, coaches and the supporters of the “Brazil of Europe”.

Ronaldo ends his international career with 234 appearances and a world-record 146 goals. He led Portugal to their first major European title at Euro 2016, followed by UEFA Nations League triumphs in 2019 and 2025. His record also includes reaching the semi-finals of the 2006 World Cup.

The accompanying fixture listing identifies Portugal against Denmark in UEFA Nations League – Path A on 14 November 2026.