Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to a historic 23-year career with Portugal. The 41-year-old forward confirmed the decision on Thursday, November 5, 2026, revealing that he would hand back the national team's iconic No. 7 shirt after the November international break.

Ronaldo made the announcement through a video message on social media, describing it as an emotional decision. His departure marks the end of one of the most successful individual careers in international football, with the Al Nassr star retiring as the men's all-time leading international goalscorer and appearance-maker.

"Today, the time has come to pass it on to the future. It was not an easy decision," Ronaldo said, reflecting on his journey with the national team.

He also thanked supporters for their backing throughout his career, adding that Portugal would always remain a part of him.

Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal Career: 234 Appearances and 146 Goals

Ronaldo made his senior international debut in August 2003 and went on to represent Portugal in 234 matches, scoring 146 goals. Both figures remain men's international records.

His international career spanned six FIFA World Cups and six European Championships, making him one of the most experienced players in the history of international football.

One of the defining moments came in 2016, when Ronaldo captained Portugal to their first-ever European Championship title. Despite leaving the final against France through injury, he remained involved from the touchline as his teammates secured a historic 1-0 victory.

Portugal subsequently won the UEFA Nations League in 2019 and 2025, adding two more major international honours to Ronaldo's trophy collection.

He also made history at the 2026 FIFA World Cup by becoming the first player to score at six different editions of the tournament.

Portugal estará sempre em mim pic.twitter.com/dnFj51rxmh

— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) November 5, 2026

What Led to Ronaldo's International Retirement?

The announcement follows weeks of speculation surrounding Ronaldo's future with Portugal after a disagreement with head coach Jorge Jesus.

The controversy began during the September international break when Ronaldo left the national team's training camp after being informed that he would not start against Denmark. The forward later publicly criticised the handling of his selection and said the coach had broken promises regarding his playing time.

Ronaldo subsequently apologised to his teammates and supporters while maintaining that he remained available for international selection. However, his retirement announcement has now brought that chapter of his career to a close.

Will Cristiano Ronaldo Continue Playing for Al Nassr?

Ronaldo's announcement concerns international football only. He is expected to continue his professional club career with Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr. The Portuguese superstar is also pursuing the remarkable milestone of 1,000 career goals. According to reports, he had scored 985 official career goals at the time of the announcement.

For Portugal, however, the departure of their record-breaking captain signals the beginning of a new era. Ronaldo leaves behind an extraordinary legacy built on goals, trophies, records and more than two decades of service to his country.