Cristiano Ronaldo’s 23-year Portugal career commemorated at team camp

The Portuguese Football Federation will honour Cristiano Ronaldo by setting aside room 201 at the national team’s training camps following his retirement from international football.

Ronaldo announced his decision last week, bringing an end to a 23-year career with Portugal in which he established a series of individual and team records.

The 234-cap forward scored 146 goals for his country and won three trophies. His honours included Portugal’s first major international title, UEFA Euro 2016, followed by UEFA Nations League triumphs in 2019 and 2025.

Those victories were historic for Portugal, who had never won an official competition before Ronaldo’s international career began.

Ricardo Quaresma, a spokesperson for the Portuguese Football Federation, said preparations were under way to recognise the achievements of the player, who has been widely associated with the “Brazil of Europe”.

“We have decided to reserve Cristiano Ronaldo’s room, number 201, at Portugal’s national team camps,” Quaresma told Saudi network Al-Midan.

“There will be many surprises from the Portuguese Football Federation in recognition of the player, but I cannot reveal them at the moment.”

Tensions before international retirement

Ronaldo’s decision followed a difficult period during the most recent international break, when tensions emerged around his relationship with Portugal manager Jorge Jesus.

The forward left the team’s camp in Denmark without permission, prompting disciplinary action. He had already completed a 30-day suspension and paid a €255 fine linked to his departure.

Ronaldo had previously said he was prepared to accept any punishment resulting from his actions, and the sanctions were imposed. However, the dispute extended beyond the disciplinary measures after his relationship with Jorge Jesus failed to recover.

Ronaldo reportedly felt betrayed by explanatory comments made by the manager, believing they breached a clear agreement reached between the two men during an earlier meeting. He subsequently issued a strongly worded message outlining his position.

The continuing tension raised questions over whether Ronaldo would be included in Portugal’s next squad for matches against Denmark on 14 November and Wales on 17 November, the final two group-stage fixtures in the UEFA Nations League.

Although Ronaldo was included in the initial squad for those matches, his retirement has ended speculation over a possible return. The player who wore Portugal’s number seven shirt will not represent his country again during the remainder of his football career.

Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proenca had attempted to mediate between Ronaldo and Jorge Jesus and bring the forward back into the national team. Those efforts, however, did not restore the relationship or resolve the dispute.