Cristiano Ronaldo Retires From Portugal Duty After 23 Years, 234 Caps and 146 Goals

The update

Cristiano Ronaldo announced on Thursday that he will not play for Portugal again, ending a 23-year international career that began in August 2003. The 41-year-old said in a social media video that the day had come to hand back the national team’s No 7 shirt, thanking his family, teammates, coaches and supporters. His final appearance was the 1-0 Nations League win over Wales in September, after he was left on the bench against Norway, fell out with coach Jorge Jesus and left the team camp.

Why it matters

Ronaldo retires as the most capped men’s international player and the leading scorer in men’s international football, with 234 appearances and 146 goals. He captained Portugal to their first major trophy at Euro 2016 and helped them win the Nations League in 2019 and 2025, across six World Cups. Portugal’s football federation thanked him and said it plans a tribute for him.

What to watch

Portugal coach Jorge Jesus is due to name a squad for November Nations League matches against Denmark and Wales without Ronaldo. Attention will turn to who takes the No 7 shirt, how the federation stages its planned tribute, and whether Ronaldo, who continues at Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, completes his club career this season.

Sources

• aljazeera.com — confirms the announcement, career totals and trophies
• tricityrecordnm.com — AP report confirming the final appearance against Wales, federation tribute plans and continuation at Al Nassr

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