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Cristiano Ronaldo retires from international football after 23 years

Summarised from 14 outlets · 26 reports · Updated 5 Nov, 14:46 · Archive

Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football after 23 years, during which he scored 146 goals in 234 appearances for Portugal.

Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football at the age of 41, ending a 23-year career with Portugal. In a video message posted to social media, he said: 'To the Portuguese people, the day has come for me to hand back the number seven shirt of our national team. I never felt it belonged to me alone, but for 23 years I had the privilege and the responsibility of wearing it, defending it and carrying it with me into stadiums all around the world.'

Ronaldo made his debut for Portugal in August 2003 and scored 146 goals in 234 appearances, establishing both as men's international records. Under his captaincy, Portugal won the 2016 European Championship, their first major tournament victory. He also helped them win the UEFA Nations League in 2019 and 2025. His international career spanned six World Cups and six European Championships.

The announcement follows a public disagreement with Portugal manager Jorge Jesus. Ronaldo's last appearance for Portugal came on 24 September in a 1-0 Nations League victory over Wales, when he started. In the subsequent match against Norway, Jesus kept him on the bench as an unused substitute. When Jesus indicated he did not plan to start Ronaldo in the next match against Denmark, Ronaldo left the team's training camp without permission.

The Portuguese Football Association responded by suspending Ronaldo for 30 days and fining him €255. Jesus subsequently indicated that the door remained open for Ronaldo's return, leaving the decision in the player's hands. However, Ronaldo has now chosen to retire from international duty.

In his retirement statement, Ronaldo reflected on his career: 'A journey that began in August 2003 and changed my life forever has come to an end. When I look back and think about everything I experienced in the national team, I do not just see games, goals, records or trophies. I see people.' He added: 'It was not an easy decision, because some decisions are not made just with the head, they are also made with the heart.'

Ronaldo thanked his family, the Portuguese people, and the teammates, coaches and staff he worked with over his career. The Portuguese Football Association released a statement expressing 'deep gratitude and immense admiration' for his service to the country and announced plans to hold a tribute event in his honour.

Ronaldo's retirement from international football comes roughly a month after Lionel Messi ended his Argentina career. While Messi played a farewell match and departed with widespread celebration, Ronaldo's final chapter was marked by the disagreement with his manager. Ronaldo will continue playing club football for Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr, where he is pursuing his stated goal of reaching 1,000 career goals across all competitions.

Cristiano Ronaldo retires from international football after 23 years
Image: BBC News

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How it is being reported

In this story: Cristiano Ronaldo · Portugal · Jorge Jesus · Lionel Messi · Al Nassr · European Championship · UEFA Nations League

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