Apex Scores Lite Apex Scores Lite flag
back Back
Portugal great Cristiano Ronaldo announces retirement from international soccer

Cristiano Ronaldo announced on Thursday he won’t play for Portugal anymore, ending a career that spanned six World Cups and included a European title and the men’s all-time international scoring record.

It was a sad ending to a lauded career that began more than two decades ago before Euro 2004 and finished with him walking out on the national team after falling out with coach Jorge Jesus.

“To the Portuguese people, the day has come for me to hand back the No. 7 shirt of our national team,” the 41-year-old Ronaldo said in a long video message on social media.

Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo warms up ahead of a World Cup match against Spain in Arlington, Texas, Monday, July 6, 2026.
Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo warms up ahead of a World Cup match against Spain in Arlington, Texas, on July 6, 2026.

“I never felt it belonged to me alone but for 23 years I had the privilege and the responsibility of wearing it, defending it and carrying it with me into stadiums all around the world.”

You may like

Cristiano Ronaldo Retires: 7 Players Who Could Become Portugal’s Next Captain

yen.com.gh 5 hours ago

Vinicius Jr: Jose Mourinho Breaks Silence on Their Relationship at Real Madrid

yen.com.gh 15 hours ago

Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal Record vs. Lionel Messi’s Argentina Record

wjtv.com 10 hours ago

Ronaldo retires as international football’s all-time top scorer: Full list of most international ...

indianexpress.com 8 hours ago

Kylian Mbappe Falls Agonizingly Short of Famous Lionel Messi Champions League Record

wjtv.com 11 hours ago

10 Players With the Highest Selling MLS Jerseys in 2026: Messi Monopoly Under Threat

wjtv.com 1 day ago

What Happened on Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal Debut?

wjtv.com 4 hours ago

Jesus Owono: FC Andorra Teammate Lautaro Spatz Shares Emotional Update on Goalkeeper

yen.com.gh 1 day ago

Cristiano Ronaldo introduces new M gesture to goal celebration

archysport.com 8 hours ago