New Delhi: Football legend Cristiano Ronaldo has retired from international football, marking the end of an incredible 23-year stint with Portugal. The 41-year-old took to Instagram to share an emotional video announcing his retirement.
The 41-year-old will hang up his international boots after the November international window, marking the end of a historic era for Portugal.
The news brings an end to one of the most successful international careers in men’s football history. The 41-year-old has the most international caps and goals in history having played 234 times and scored 146 goals for his country. He made his senior debut in 2003 aged just 18 and has represented his country at five World Cups and six European Championships.
Portugal’s Greatest International Goalscorer
Since making his debut for Portugal in 2003 aged 18, Ronaldo has become the face of Portuguese football. The star has led his country at some of the biggest tournaments in the world and set records along the way.
The highlight of his international career came in 2016 when he led Portugal to their first ever European Championship victory. They won another major trophy with Portugal winning the first ever UEFA Nations League in 2019.
Ronaldo to Return Portugal’s No. 7 Shirt
Ronaldo stated that he will return the legendary number 7 shirt after the November international window.
The news comes just months after Portugal were eliminated from the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Earlier this year he confirmed that this would be his final World Cup but had left the door open for him to play for his country.
Why Has Ronaldo Retired?
As yet Ronaldo has not given a specific reason why he is retiring from international football. In recent months there has been much speculation surrounding his future with the national team, especially after he fell out with head coach Jorge Jesus and left the camp during the October international window.
However he has since stated that he is still available for Portugal. His latest announcement confirms that he will retire from international football after the November international break.