Five Ballon d’Ors, Three International Trophies, Ronaldo Ends Portugal Career
By Saheed Afolabi
Portuguese football legend Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to an extraordinary 23-year career with the national team.
The 41-year-old forward confirmed his decision on Thursday, November 5, 2026, through an emotional video message shared on social media, drawing the curtain on one of the most remarkable international careers in football history.
Ronaldo bows out as the highest goalscorer and most-capped player in men’s international football, having scored 146 goals in 234 appearances for Portugal.
The Al Nassr forward made his senior international debut in August 2003 at the age of 18 and went on to become the face of Portuguese football, leading his country to major international honours.
Announcing his decision, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner reflected on the privilege of representing Portugal for more than two decades and expressed gratitude to the supporters who followed his journey.
“To the Portuguese people, the day has come for me to hand back the No. 7 shirt of our national team.
“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 on to the future. It was not an easy decision, because some decisions are not made with the mind alone – they are also made with the heart,” he said.
Ronaldo’s international career was highlighted by his instrumental role in Portugal’s historic triumph at the 2016 European Championship in France, where he captained the team to its first major international trophy.
Although he was forced off through injury during the final against France, Portugal eventually secured a 1-0 victory after extra time, with Eder scoring the decisive goal.
He also captained Portugal to two UEFA Nations League titles, winning the inaugural edition in 2019 before lifting the trophy again in 2025.
Beyond his achievements with the national team, Ronaldo established himself as one of football’s most decorated individual performers.
He won the prestigious Ballon d’Or award five times (2008, 2013, 2014, 2016 and 2017), alongside five UEFA Champions League titles and league championships in England, Spain and Italy.
At club level, he enjoyed successful spells with Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus before moving to Saudi Arabia to join Al Nassr.
Ronaldo Champions League record includes 140 goals, making him the competition’s all-time leading goalscorer.
He also holds the record for the most goals in men’s international football and became the first male player to score at six different FIFA World Cup tournaments, achieving the feat at the 2026 edition.
He represented Portugal at six World Cups and six European Championships, establishing extraordinary longevity at the highest level of international football.
Despite ending his international career, Ronaldo is not retiring from professional football, as he is expected to continue playing for Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr.
After 234 appearances, 146 goals and three major international trophies, Portugal will now begin a new chapter without the player who defined its footballing identity for more than two decades.
