Football has officially said goodbye to one of its greatest international careers, with Cristiano Ronaldo announcing his retirement from the Portuguese national team after 23 years of representing his country.
The 41-year-old superstar confirmed the news on Thursday, 5 November 2026, through an emotional message shared on social media, bringing an end to a remarkable journey that began in August 2003.
Ronaldo, who wore Portugal’s iconic number 7 shirt throughout much of his career, leaves the international stage as the men’s all-time leading international goalscorer, with 146 goals in 234 appearances.
In his farewell message, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner reflected on the responsibility and pride of representing his country, revealing that it was time to pass the famous number 7 shirt on to the next generation.
“Today, the time has come to pass it on to the future. It was not an easy decision,” Ronaldo shared.
A legacy that changed Portuguese football
Ronaldo’s international career was filled with unforgettable moments, individual records and historic achievements.
One of the defining moments came in 2016 when he captained Portugal to their first-ever European Championship title. Despite being forced off through injury during the final against France, Ronaldo continued to inspire his teammates from the sidelines as Portugal secured a historic 1-0 victory.
He also helped Portugal lift the UEFA Nations League trophy in 2019 and 2025, further cementing his place in the country’s football history.
His achievements extended beyond trophies. Ronaldo became the first player to score at six different FIFA World Cup tournaments, setting another remarkable milestone during the 2026 competition.
From his early days as a promising teenager to becoming Portugal’s captain and record goalscorer, his influence on the national team has been undeniable.
What happens next for CR7?
Although Ronaldo has brought his international career to an end, this does not mean he is retiring from professional football altogether.
The Portuguese forward remains contracted to Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr, where he continues to compete at club level.
His departure from international football now opens the door for a new generation of Portuguese players to carry the responsibility of representing their country and continuing the legacy he helped build.
An era comes to an end
For millions of football supporters around the world, Ronaldo’s retirement from Portugal marks the end of a special chapter in the game.
His journey has been defined by determination, consistency, ambition and an incredible desire to win. Whether supporters consider him the greatest player of all time or not, his contribution to international football is difficult to overlook.
From the tears of Euro 2004 to the celebrations of Euro 2016, and from record-breaking performances to unforgettable World Cup moments, Ronaldo has given Portugal and football fans countless memories.
The number 7 shirt will eventually belong to another player, but the legacy of Cristiano Ronaldo will remain part of Portuguese football history.
Thank you, CR7. What a career.