Portugal's all-time leading scorer Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football at the age of 41. The forward ends a 23-year career with the national team, having scored 146 goals in 234 appearances – both world records – since his debut in 2003.
Record-breaking career
Ronaldo captained Portugal from 2008, leading the team to victory in the 2016 European Championship and the inaugural Nations League titles in 2019 and 2025. He played in six European Championships and six World Cups, though Portugal never advanced beyond the World Cup semi-finals during his tenure.
Fallout with coach Jorge Jesus
The decision follows a dispute with new coach Jorge Jesus. In September, Ronaldo left the Portugal camp after being told he would not start a Nations League match against Denmark. The Portuguese Football Federation (PFF) fined him £215 and imposed a 30-day suspension. Ronaldo later stated that Jesus had twice "broke his word" regarding his role in the team.
Farewell and tributes
In an Instagram video, Ronaldo said: "To the Portuguese people, the day has come for me to hand back the number seven shirt of our national team... Today the time has come to pass it on to the future." The PFF said it plans a fitting tribute to honour his career. Ronaldo's retirement comes weeks after his great rival Lionel Messi also stepped away from international duty with Argentina.
