Portugal has a proud football history, having produced legendary players and competed at the highest level long before the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo. The country had already reached the 1966 World Cup semi-finals and the Euro 2000 semi-finals, showing that its football ambitions were well established.

However, another important chapter began in August 2003 when an 18-year-old Ronaldo made his senior international debut against Kazakhstan. What followed was a remarkable 23-year journey that would see him become Portugal's captain, record goalscorer and one of the most influential players in the country's football history.

His first major international tournament came at Euro 2004, hosted by Portugal. Ronaldo scored his first international goal against Greece in the opening match, although Portugal lost 2–1. The young winger continued to impress throughout the competition, helping his country reach the final, where they suffered another defeat against Greece.

Those early experiences were part of a journey that gradually transformed him from a promising youngster into a leader. In February 2007, Ronaldo first captained Portugal, beginning a new responsibility that would define much of his international career.

At the 2006 World Cup in Germany, Portugal reached the semi-finals and eventually finished fourth. It was another significant achievement for the national team, with Ronaldo part of a generation that was determined to compete among the world's best. However, the biggest reward was still waiting for them.

That moment arrived at Euro 2016 in France. Portugal defeated the hosts 1–0 after extra time to win their first European Championship. Ronaldo was forced off with an injury in the first half, but he continued encouraging his teammates from the touchline. Éder eventually scored the winning goal in the 109th minute, delivering a historic victory for the country.

Ronaldo's contribution to Portugal did not end with that European triumph. In 2019, he scored a hat-trick against Switzerland in the Nations League semi-final before Portugal defeated the Netherlands 1–0 in the final. It was another major international trophy for a country that had waited so long to establish itself among Europe's champions.

Six years later, Portugal lifted the Nations League trophy again. In the 2025 final against Spain, the match finished 2–2 after extra time before Portugal won on penalties. Ronaldo scored Portugal's second goal to bring his team level, playing another important role in a historic victory.

Beyond those trophies, his consistency across different generations is another part of his legacy. He became Portugal's record international goalscorer and the most-capped male international footballer in history. His 146 goals in 234 appearances reflect the remarkable length and productivity of his service to the national team.

His international career also took him to six FIFA World Cups, making him the first player to score at six different editions of the tournament. These records are not simply numbers; they demonstrate how long he remained relevant at the highest level of international football.

Of course, Portugal's success was never the work of one player alone. Teammates, coaches and other members of the national team all played important roles. Nevertheless, Ronaldo's goals, leadership, ambition and consistency made him a central figure in the country's modern football era. He also became one of the most recognisable representatives of Portuguese football around the world.

Now, at 41, that international journey has reached its conclusion. On 5 November 2026, Ronaldo announced his retirement from Portugal duty after 23 years, explaining that he would hand the famous No. 7 shirt to the next generation following the November international break.

His decision does not mean the end of his football career, as he continues playing for Al Nassr at club level. However, Portugal must now prepare for international football without the player who represented the country through more than two decades of triumphs, disappointments and historic moments.

The next generation will have the opportunity to create its own history, but replacing Ronaldo's experience and contribution will be a difficult responsibility. He leaves behind records, two Nations League titles, a European Championship and memories that will remain part of Portuguese football for generations.

After 234 appearances and 146 goals, Cristiano Ronaldo's service to Portugal is coming to an end. The No. 7 shirt will belong to another player, but the chapter he wrote in his country's football history will not easily be forgotten.