Cristiano Ronaldo Announces Retirement from Portugal National Team

Cristiano Ronaldo announced on 5 November that he is retiring from the Portugal national team. In a video posted on social media he said the day had come to hand back the number 7 shirt. He made the announcement after the Portuguese Football Federation suspended him for 30 days and fined him €255 following a dispute with coach Jorge Jesus.

Ronaldo, who turned 41 in February, has played 234 times for Portugal and scored 146 goals, both records for a male international. He captained the team to its first major trophy at Euro 2016 and contributed to Nations League titles in 2019 and 2025. He became the first player to score in six different World Cup editions. Portugal were eliminated in the round of 16 by Spain at the most recent World Cup.

The announcement followed a public fallout last month. Ronaldo left the team camp after being left out of the starting lineup for a Nations League match. He said he had been promised playing time. The federation suspended him for 30 days. He apologized and said he remained available, but on Thursday he confirmed he would not return. His last appearance for Portugal was a 1-0 win over Wales on 24 September. Portugal host Denmark on 14 November and then play Wales; those matches will be his final opportunities to add to his international totals if he chooses to play them.

In the video Ronaldo said he never thought the number 7 belonged to him alone but that for 23 years he had the privilege and responsibility of wearing it. He thanked his family, the Portuguese people, teammates, coaches and staff. He said Portugal will always be a part of him and that some decisions are made with the heart as well as the head. The Portuguese Football Federation said it would organize a fitting tribute.

Ronaldo is not retiring from club football. He continues to play for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, where he is under contract until June 2027. He has scored 985 career goals and is pursuing 1,000. His international career began with a debut in August 2003 at age 18. He holds the men’s records for international appearances and goals.

The decision closes a 23-year run that included six World Cups. The suspension and the coach’s decision not to start him in a recent match accelerated the timeline. No public indication has been given that he will reverse the decision. The November matches against Denmark and Wales remain the only scheduled opportunities for a final appearance if he is available and selected.

Ronaldo’s departure leaves Portugal without its long-time captain and record scorer as the team sits atop its Nations League group. The federation has not yet named a successor as captain. His club form at Al-Nassr continues while the international chapter ends.