Legend Cristiano Ronaldo retires from international football: Details here
What's the story
In a major development, legend Cristiano Ronaldo has retired from international football. Ronaldo announced the same on Thursday morning, taking to social media with a caption: "Portugal will always be in me." The 41-year-old bowed out with a record 146 goals from 234 international caps for Portugal. He has the most international goals, 20 more than rival Lionel Messi. Here are further details.
Statement
Ronaldo's official statement
Announcing his retirement through a heartfelt video, Ronaldo said, "Today I finish my walk on the pitch with the national team. I leave with my head held high, with pride in the path I took, and with the awareness that I gave everything I had for Portugal."
"The goals pass, the cups are in museums, the records end up being beaten. But there is something that time can never erase, the place we occupy in people's hearts."
Twitter Post
Ronaldo bows out
Portugal estará sempre em mim pic.twitter.com/dnFj51rxmh
— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) November 5, 2026
Commitment
Ronaldo's commitment to Portutgal
Last month, Ronaldo confirmed his willingness to continue representing Portugal in a five-page letter shared on social media.
The Al Nassr striker had left the national team's camp after not being used as a substitute in their UEFA Nations League match against Norway on September 27.
He accused coach Jorge Jesus of breaking his word during the incident.
Update
Will be available to compete: Ronaldo
Despite the recent friction with Jesus, Ronaldo has clarified that he is not ready to retire from football.
"If I am physically fit, playing for my club, scoring goals...I will be available...to compete and win for our national team," he said in the letter.
The forward also explained his fallout with Jesus, who had coached him in Saudi Arabia from 2025-26.
Career
A look at his international career
Ronaldo made his international debut for Portugal in 2003 at 18.
He powered the side to the Euro 2004 final. Under him, Portugal won the 2016 Euros and the 2019 and 2025 UEFA Nations League.
Ronaldo, who played his last international in September this year, has the most appearances (234). He also has the most goals in international football (146).
Information
His notable records for Portugal
Ronaldo holds the record for scoring in the most FIFA World Cup editions (6 between 2006 and 2026). In 27 World Cup matches, he scored 11 goals. In 2021, Ronaldo became the first male player to score 10 hat-tricks for a national side.