Cristiano Ronaldo Retires From International Football at 41 After 23 Years

Cristiano Ronaldo has retired from international football at the age of 41, bringing an end to his 23-year career with Portugal. The legendary Portuguese footballer made the announcement in an emotional message, saying that he had given everything to his country.

Ronaldo made his Portugal debut in 2003. Since then, he has played 234 international matches and scored a record 146 goals, the highest number in international football.

During his international career, Ronaldo featured in 12 major tournaments, including six FIFA World Cups and six European Championships. As Portugal’s captain, he led the team to its first Euro Cup title in 2016. Portugal also won the Nations League in 2019 and 2025 during his time as captain.

Ronaldo’s emotional farewell message

Announcing his retirement, Ronaldo shared an emotional message about his journey with the national team.

“Today I am ending my journey with the national team. I am sure that I have given everything for Portugal. Goals pass, trophies are placed in museums and records are also broken one day. But what time can never erase is the place we have in people’s hearts,” he said.

Ronaldo also thanked the fans, his family and the team. He wrote, “All my life I worked to become the best player in the world, but the biggest victory was representing my country. Portugal will always remain inside me.”

His message reflected on the importance of playing for Portugal beyond the goals, trophies and records he achieved during his career. Ronaldo’s international record includes 146 goals in 234 matches.

Reports of a dispute with Jorge Jesus

Reports have linked Ronaldo’s retirement to differences with Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus. According to the reports, the two had a disagreement during the previous international break and had not spoken to each other after 30 September.

On Friday, the coach wanted to include Ronaldo in the team, but Ronaldo was not ready to play under him. Jorge Jesus later clarified the situation and said that the decision had been entirely Ronaldo’s.

“This is entirely Ronaldo’s own decision. I asked him to stay with the team because I needed him, but we have to respect his decision,” Jesus said.

The source material describes the dispute as an important factor being considered behind Ronaldo’s retirement. It does not change the fact that Ronaldo himself announced the decision to end his international career.

Ronaldo had considered retirement after the World Cup

Ronaldo had recently said that he had already made up his mind to retire after the World Cup. He had also drafted his farewell message at that time.

However, during his return, Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença reportedly spoke to him on the plane and persuaded him to change his decision. Ronaldo then continued with Portugal before announcing his retirement now.

His decision ends a long international career that began in 2003 and included major tournament appearances, international titles and a record number of goals.

Clubs and teammates bid farewell

Ronaldo’s current Saudi club, Al Nassr, also sent him a message after the announcement.

“This is only one chapter coming to an end. You are an icon for the whole world, and with us you still have to write new history,” the club said.

His former club Manchester United and teammate Bruno Fernandes also congratulated him. Bruno described Ronaldo as his childhood idol and said that sharing the dressing room with him had been an honour.

Ronaldo’s international career included Portugal’s Euro Cup victory in 2016 and Nations League victories in 2019 and 2025. He also represented the country in six FIFA World Cups and six European Championships.

Ronaldo’s international career at a glance:

Debut: 2003

Career: 23 years

Total matches: 234

Total goals: 146

Major titles: Euro Cup, 2016 winner; Nations League, 2019 and 2025 winner

Tournaments: Six FIFA World Cups and six European Championships