Cristiano Ronaldo announced his retirement from international football on Thursday, calling time on his 23-year-long international career with Portugal, aged 41.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner said he would relinquish the national team’s famous number seven jersey after the international break in November.
“It has ended a journey that started in August 2003 and altered my life forever,” Ronaldo said in a video posted on Instagram.
The record Portugal goalscorer previously played for Manchester United and Real Madrid, and earned 234 international caps, scoring 146 goals, before announcing his retirement.
His proudest moment for his country was when, as captain, he led Portugal to their first major international competition win at Euro 2016. He claimed the UEFA Nations League in 2019 and 2025.
The decision was announced a month after he was reportedly in disagreement with coach Jorge Jesus after refusing to play in a Nations League match. Ronaldo then left the national team camp and was handed a 30-day suspension.
Speaking about his career with the national team, he said: “Today I end my walk on the pitch with the Portugal team. I do so with my head held high, proud of the journey I took and knowing that I gave my all for Portugal.”
And he concluded: “Portugal will be part of me. Always.”
