Cristiano Ronaldo announces end of Portugal international career

Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to more than two decades representing Portugal.

The Portugal captain confirmed the decision on Thursday in a video posted on his social media accounts, addressing the country’s football supporters and the “Portuguese people”. The Al Nassr forward said the time had come to give up the number seven shirt.

“The time has come for me to take off number seven. I never claimed it belonged to me alone. Today, the time has come for me to pass it on,” Ronaldo said.

Ronaldo’s international career began in 2003 during the qualifying campaign for Euro 2004. He went on to make 234 appearances for Portugal, scoring 146 goals and providing 46 assists.

He initially wore number 17 for the national team before taking the number seven shirt after Luis Figo retired. Ronaldo leaves Portugal having won three major honours: Euro 2016 and the UEFA Nations League in 2019 and 2025.

The former Sporting CP player reflected on the personal significance of his time with the national team.

“Some decisions are not made with the mind alone. Some are also made with the heart. A journey that began and marked my life forever is coming to an end,” he said.

“When I look back at everything I experienced with the national team, I do not just see matches, goals, records or trophies. I see Portuguese people who, for 90 minutes, were close to me. I see millions of Portuguese people I have never met but who became part of my life.

“Throughout my career, I pushed my limits. I always wanted to be better and I always wanted to win.”

Ronaldo also thanked the team-mates with whom he shared his international career, saying he was “proud to have been the captain, a captain who does not walk alone”.

He praised all the coaches and members of the Portugal staff he worked with, recognising their contribution to the history of the national team.

The former Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus player’s decision ends a Portugal career defined by record-breaking numbers and international success. His final message presented the departure as the conclusion of a journey that began more than two decades ago and shaped his life.