Cristiano Ronaldo Announces Retirement From International Soccer

Cristiano Ronaldo has officially announced his retirement from international soccer, bringing an end to a storied 23-year career representing Portugal. The 41-year-old forward shared the news on Thursday through a heartfelt video message posted to social media, confirming that he will no longer wear the iconic number 7 jersey for his country.

During his tenure with the national team, which began in August 2003, Ronaldo established himself as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport. He concludes his international career with a record 234 appearances and 146 goals, cementing his status as the all-time leading scorer in international men's soccer.

Reflecting on his journey, Ronaldo expressed deep gratitude to the Portuguese people and his teammates. "The day has come for me to hand back the number 7 shirt of our national team," he stated in his announcement. "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’s international career was marked by significant achievements, including leading Portugal to victory in the 2016 European Championship and the UEFA Nations League titles in 2019 and 2025. He also holds the distinction of being the only player in history to score in six different FIFA World Cup tournaments, a testament to his longevity and consistency at the highest level of the game.

The announcement comes shortly before the upcoming national team squad selection, which is expected to be led by head coach Jorge Jesus. While Ronaldo’s departure marks the end of an era, his legacy is complicated by a recent period of tension. Reports indicate that the final months of his international career were marked by a controversy involving his departure from a training camp in Scandinavia during the lead-up to a match against Denmark, a decision that drew public scrutiny.

Despite the challenges toward the end of his tenure, Ronaldo emphasized the emotional connection he felt with his country and its supporters. He noted that while records and trophies are fleeting, the bond he formed with the fans remains his most cherished accomplishment. The forward, who currently plays for Al Nassr, stated that he will continue to support the national team as a passionate fan as they look toward the future.