Cristiano Ronaldo, the Portuguese football icon, has announced his retirement from the Portugal national team after a 23-year international career. The 41-year-old forward, who will turn 42 next year, made the decision public via a video message on social media, stating that the time has come to hand over the number seven shirt to the next generation.
Ronaldo leaves as Portugal's all-time leading scorer with 146 goals in 234 appearances. He captained the team to victory at Euro 2016 and won two UEFA Nations League titles. His international debut came in August 2003, and he represented Portugal at six World Cups, most recently in the 2026 tournament hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, where Portugal were eliminated by Spain in the round of 16.
The retirement follows a reported rift with head coach Jorge Jesus. Last month, Ronaldo left the national team training camp aboard his private jet after a disagreement with the coach. He subsequently issued an open letter apologizing to fans and teammates, though he did not mention the manager by name. The Portuguese Football Federation suspended him for 30 days, but he remained eligible for upcoming matches against Denmark and Wales.
In his farewell video, Ronaldo said: "To the Portuguese people, the day has come to hand back the number seven shirt of the national team that belongs to us all. I never felt it was exclusively mine. But for 23 years I had the privilege and the responsibility of wearing it, defending it and taking it with me to stadiums all over the world. Today the time has come to hand it over to the future." He reflected on the emotional connection with supporters, stating that football is about people and that the place held in people's hearts is what time can never erase.
Ronaldo's decision comes weeks after his long-time rival Lionel Messi retired from the Argentina national team. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner emphasized that he never gave up and always felt proud to represent Portugal, urging young players to dream and believe in reaching new heights.
