Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to a remarkable 23-year career with the Portugal national team. The announcement comes following a period of reported tensions and public disagreements with Portugal’s coaching staff, including manager Jorge Jesus. The football superstar shared the news through an emotional video posted on Instagram, in which he reflected on his journey, expressed gratitude to his supporters and confirmed that he was ready to pass on the responsibility of wearing Portugal’s famous No. 7 jersey to the next generation.
Ronaldo leaves international football as Portugal’s all-time leading goalscorer, having scored an extraordinary 146 goals in 234 appearances for his country. Throughout his international career, he established himself as one of the most influential players in Portuguese football history. His greatest achievement with the national team came in 2016, when he helped Portugal secure their first-ever UEFA European Championship title. The historic victory marked a defining moment for the country and further strengthened Ronaldo’s legacy as one of the greatest footballers of his generation.
The 23-year international journey has seen Ronaldo represent Portugal across multiple major tournaments, becoming a central figure in the team’s successes and challenges. His leadership, goal-scoring ability and commitment to the national side made him a defining presence for Portuguese football. However, his latest announcement signals the end of an era for the national team, which will now have to prepare for international competitions without its most recognisable player.
Ronaldo chose social media to communicate his decision, sharing a heartfelt video shortly before Portugal’s national team was expected to announce its squad for the upcoming Nations League. In the video, the 40-year-old footballer reads a personal letter addressed to Portuguese supporters, acknowledging the significance of the moment and explaining what wearing the national jersey has meant to him over the years.
“To the Portuguese people, the day has come to return the No. 7 jersey of the national team,” Ronaldo said in the emotional message.
Reflecting on his long association with the national team, he explained that the famous jersey was never something he considered exclusively his own. “I never felt it belonged to me alone but for 23 years I had the privilege and responsibility of wearing it, defending it and carrying it with me into stadiums all around the world. Today, the time has come to pass it onto the future,” he added.
Ronaldo also admitted that deciding to end his international career was far from straightforward. Describing the emotional weight behind the decision, he said, “It was not an easy decision because some decisions are not made with the mind alone. They are also made with the heart.”
His retirement announcement follows several weeks of reported disagreements with Portugal’s coaching staff. Tensions reportedly increased during the previous international break, when Ronaldo left the national team’s training camp after being excluded from the matchday squad for a 2-1 Nations League victory over Norway. The incident raised questions about his relationship with the coaching staff and his future involvement with the national team.
The reported disputes added uncertainty to Ronaldo’s international future, with speculation growing over whether he would continue representing Portugal. His decision to step away now brings those questions to an end, although the circumstances surrounding his departure are likely to remain a major talking point among football supporters.
For Portugal, Ronaldo’s retirement represents a significant transition. Replacing a player who has scored 146 international goals and played such an important role in the country’s greatest football achievement will be a considerable challenge. His influence extended beyond statistics, as he became a symbol of Portuguese football and inspired generations of players and supporters.
As Ronaldo prepares to move on from international football, his legacy with Portugal remains firmly established. From his early appearances in the national colours to lifting the European Championship trophy in 2016, his career has been defined by extraordinary achievements and unforgettable moments. His decision to return the No. 7 jersey marks the conclusion of a historic chapter, leaving Portugal to look towards a new generation while celebrating the contributions of one of its most successful footballers.