An era in world soccer is coming to an end. Cristiano Ronaldo announced Thursday that he is retiring from Portugal's national team, sharing the news in a five-minute video posted on social media. The 41-year-old superstar, who became the country's greatest soccer icon, will bring his 23-year international career to a close. According to Reuters, his retirement will take effect after the November international window. He currently holds two world records, with 146 goals in 234 international appearances.
"To the Portuguese people, the day has come for me to hand back the No. 7 shirt of our national team. This was not an easy decision, but it was made not only with my heart, but also with careful thought," Ronaldo said.
Cristiano Ronaldo is the country's greatest soccer icon
(Photo: Imagn Images via Reuters/Jerome Miron)
"I will never forget the incredible victories, or the painful defeats. There were difficult moments when I suffered because I couldn't give the people of my country what they wanted. "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 Portuguese star continued: "I spent my life working to be the best player in the world. Today I realise that the greatest victory was to have deserved to represent the best country in the world.
"Thank you for 23 years. Thank you for believing in me and helping me fulfill my greatest dream. The honor of wearing Portugal's No. 7 shirt will always be mine. Portugal will always be in me."
The announcement follows a turbulent period in Ronaldo's relationship with coach Jorge Jesus. Ronaldo left the national team camp after being left on the bench against Norway and later accused the coach of breaking promises regarding his playing time. He subsequently apologized for his departure and clarified that he remained available for national team selection.
Ronaldo's international journey began in August 2003 with a friendly against Kazakhstan and reached its pinnacle with Portugal's historic victory at Euro 2016, the country's first major international title. He went on to add UEFA Nations League titles in 2019 and 2025.
In the latter final, Ronaldo scored against Spain, helping Portugal reach a penalty shootout that ended with another trophy. He now steps aside after a career that transformed Portugal's standing in world football.