Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football after a 23-year career with Portugal. The 41-year-old finishes as the nation's all-time leading scorer with 146 goals in 234 appearances. His final match came on 24 September against Wales.
The decision follows a fallout with coach Jorge Jesus, which resulted in a 30-day sanction and a fine of 255 euros after Ronaldo left the training camp without permission. Jesus had kept him on the bench for one match and indicated he would not start the next, prompting Ronaldo to go home. The Portuguese federation said the door remained open, but Ronaldo chose to end his international career.
A career of records and redemption
Ronaldo debuted for Portugal in 2003 as a teenager. He experienced early heartbreak in the Euro 2004 final on home soil, where Greece upset the hosts. That loss fueled a relentless drive that saw him become captain and lead Portugal to their first major title at Euro 2016, followed by a Nations League triumph in 2019 and a second Nations League title in 2025.
Under Fernando Santos, Ronaldo embraced a central striker role and evolved into a vocal leader. His influence extended beyond goals; he set standards that transformed Portugal from a gifted side into perennial contenders. No player has scored more for a single national team or earned more caps for Portugal.
Complex legacy
Ronaldo's relationship with the national team was not without friction. Clashes with coaches Carlos Queiroz and later Jorge Jesus highlighted his difficulty accepting a reduced role. Yet sociologists note he became a symbol of Portuguese identity on the global stage, evoking both pride and debate over his individualism.
The federation has announced a special tribute to honour his contribution, acknowledging that his departure did not allow for the celebratory farewell many fans hoped for. For two decades, Ronaldo was the face of a small country that learned to expect success on the world stage.
