Cristiano Ronaldo has ended his international career with Portugal at age 41, walking away from the national team after more than two decades of play, Voetbalzone reported.

The forward exits international football holding records of 234 appearances and 146 goals for his country. His departure opens a new chapter for the squad as manager Jorge Jesus prepares the team for upcoming Nations League fixtures.

Clash With Jorge Jesus

The final rupture followed a dispute between Ronaldo and Jesus in late September during the previous international break. Ronaldo left the Portugal camp in dissatisfaction after remaining on the bench during a Nations League match against Norway.

The national football federation subsequently handed the five-time Ballon d’Or winner a fine and a suspension. Although that ban expired in time for him to rejoin the squad, Ronaldo chose to step down rather than continue, stating it was time to pass on the number 7 shirt.

Sneijder and Janssen Criticize National Team Management

Former Netherlands internationals Wesley Sneijder and Theo Janssen strongly criticized how the national team handled the veteran forward’s exit. Speaking on Ziggo Sport program Rondo, Janssen called the situation disgraceful and insisted that a player of such stature deserved respect.

Sneijder echoed that sentiment, labeling the management of the situation disrespectful. Je had als trainer al aan de voorkant met hem moeten zitten. Van: luister, ik denk er zo over. Sneijder said.

Sneijder argued that the coach should have avoided public friction during the player’s final matches. Uiteindelijk ligt de bal bij hem, toch? Dan heb je het hem in ieder geval verteld achter de schermen. En dan kan je er met elkaar uitkomen, toch? Sneijder added.

Upcoming Nations League Matches

Portugal continues its campaign without its long-serving captain by hosting Denmark in Braga on Saturday, November 14, 2026, with kickoff set for 20.45 local time, according to VoetbalPrimeur.be. The team will then travel to Cardiff to face Wales three days later on Tuesday, November 17, 2026.

Manager Jorge Jesus has added former Cercle Brugge left-back Flávio Nazinho to the squad for these fixtures following his summer transfer to Monaco, filling out a roster entering a transitional phase.

New Chapter for the National Team

Flávio Nazinho receives his first call-up to the senior Portugal squad after previously featuring as a youth international. The former Cercle Brugge left-back transitioned to Monaco during the summer and has made fourteen appearances for his club, which includes scoring a goal against Paris Saint-Germain.