Portugal FA chief vows to honour Cristiano Ronaldo’s legacy

Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proenca says the organisation will do everything possible to celebrate Cristiano Ronaldo’s contribution to the national team and Portuguese football.

Proenca declined to comment on whether Ronaldo could make one final appearance for Portugal after the forward announced his international retirement on Thursday, 5 November.

Ronaldo made his Portugal debut on 20 August 2003 and went on to become the country’s most-capped player and leading goalscorer.

Speaking after Portugal’s squad was announced, Proenca said: “There will never be a tribute sufficient enough to thank Ronaldo for everything he has done for Portuguese football and for Portugal.

“We will do everything we can to honour the legacy he has left us. Everything he has achieved deserves to be honoured and celebrated.”

Ronaldo has made 234 international appearances and scored 146 goals for Portugal.

He led the national side to victory at Euro 2016 in France, the country’s first European Championship title.

Ronaldo also helped Portugal win the Nations League twice. Their first title came in 2019, when they beat the Netherlands 1-0.

Portugal claimed the trophy again in 2025 after defeating Spain on penalties following a 2-2 draw. Ronaldo scored Portugal’s second goal in the final.

Portugal are preparing to face Denmark and Wales in their final two Nations League group matches.

They sit top of their group with 12 points from four victories and have already secured a place in the quarter-finals, which will be played over two legs in March 2027.