Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an extraordinary 23-year career with Portugal to an end and closing one of the most remarkable chapters in the history of the national team.

The 41-year-old forward made the announcement on Thursday, November 5, in a farewell video shared on social media. In his message, Ronaldo said the time had come to hand back Portugal’s iconic number seven shirt, which he had worn with pride and responsibility since making his senior international debut in August 2003.

“The day has come for me to hand back the number 7 shirt of our national team,” Ronaldo said. “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 described the decision as difficult, explaining that his departure was not simply a decision made with his head but one that also involved his heart. He thanked his family, teammates, coaches, medical staff and Portuguese supporters for being part of a journey that transformed him into one of the most celebrated figures in world football.

His international record is extraordinary. Ronaldo retires with 234 appearances and 146 goals for Portugal, making him the most-capped player and the highest-scoring men's international footballer in history. Across more than two decades, he became the face of Portuguese football, carrying the national team's ambitions through multiple generations of players and competitions.

His greatest achievement with Portugal came at Euro 2016, when he captained the country to its first major international trophy. Although an injury forced him off during the final against France, Ronaldo remained on the touchline encouraging his teammates as Portugal secured a historic 1–0 victory after extra time. He later helped the country win the UEFA Nations League in 2019 and again in 2025, adding further silverware to his international legacy.

Ronaldo also made history through his extraordinary longevity. He became the first men's player to score at six different FIFA World Cups and, alongside Argentina's Lionel Messi, appeared at six editions of the tournament. His final World Cup appearance came in 2026, when Portugal's campaign ended with a 1–0 defeat to eventual champions Spain in the round of 16.

His announcement follows a difficult period involving the national team. Ronaldo left Portugal's training camp in September following a disagreement with head coach Jorge Jesus after being left out of the starting line-up against Norway. He subsequently apologised, reaffirmed his availability for selection and was handed a disciplinary suspension and fine by the Portuguese Football Federation. Despite speculation that he could return for upcoming matches, he has now confirmed that his international career is over.

The Portuguese Football Federation responded with a tribute, expressing its profound gratitude to the player it described as an inspiring leader and a symbol of the national team's identity. Coach Jorge Jesus also said he had asked Ronaldo to remain with the team but respected his decision to step away.

Ronaldo's retirement does not mark the end of his professional playing career. He remains active at club level with Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr, where he is expected to continue playing.

For Portugal, however, the number seven shirt will eventually belong to another player. The goals, records, trophies and memories accumulated by Ronaldo over 23 years will remain part of the country's football history. He leaves international football having delivered Portugal its first major title, established records that may stand for generations and become one of the most recognisable sporting figures the country has ever produced.