Farewell, Cristiano Ronaldo: Portugal Legend Retires From International Football

Cristiano Ronaldo has retired from international football, bringing to an end a 23-year Portugal career that rewrote the record books.

The 41-year-old announced his decision in a video on Instagram, telling Portuguese fans it was time to "hand back the number seven shirt".

He said he had never seen it as his alone, but as a privilege and a responsibility he carried to stadiums around the world, and that the decision came as much from the heart as from the head.

Ronaldo leaves as Portugal's all-time leading scorer with 146 goals, and as the most-capped men's international ever with 234 appearances. Both are world records. His journey began in August 2003, when he made his debut as an 18-year-old.

His trophy haul with the national side includes Euro 2016, when Portugal were crowned European champions, and two Nations League titles, in 2019 and 2025. He also helped Portugal to the Euro 2004 final, where they finished runners-up, and played at six European Championships in total. Portugal captain since 2008, he never took the team beyond the World Cup semi-finals.

The announcement follows few turbulent months. Ronaldo started every game at this summer's World Cup, his sixth, where Portugal were knocked out by eventual champions Spain in the last 16. His form drew criticism, and he later clashed with new head coach Jorge Jesus after being named on the bench against Norway.

"I spent my life working to become the best player in the world," he added, saying his greatest victory had been the honour of representing Portugal.

However, the PFF said it would not let the farewell pass without a proper tribute, promising to organise an occasion where fans and the country can celebrate him. Portugal name their squad for this month's Nations League fixtures, at home to Denmark and away to Wales, on Friday.

Ronaldo's decision comes weeks after his great rival Lionel Messi retired from international football in front of an 85,000-strong crowd in Buenos Aires. It's an interesting point in football history as Ronaldo finishes as the highest scorer in men's international football history with 146 goals, and the gap is vast amongst the rest of the players who rank next in the list.

With that, here's a recap of Cristiano Ronaldo's top career highlights over the years:

Portugal's all-time leading scorer, and a world record. Ronaldo's 146 goals leave him more than 20 clear of Argentina's Lionel Messi, who sits second after his own international retirement last month while Iran's Ali Dael ranks third on the list.

The most-capped men's international player ever, another world record.

Captained Portugal to their first major international trophy in 2016. It followed by the heartbreak of losing the Euro 2004 finale on home soil.

Won the inaugural edition in 2019, then again in 2025.

Played at every tournament from 2004, including the Euro 2004 final, where Portugal finished runners-up.