Portuguese football legend Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to a remarkable 23-year career with the national team.
The 41-year-old forward leaves behind an extraordinary international record, having scored 146 goals and earned 234 caps for Portugal since making his senior debut in August 2003. Both figures stand as world records, according to the information provided.
In an emotional message shared in an Instagram video, Ronaldo announced that the time had come to hand over Portugal’s iconic number seven shirt to the next generation.
“To the Portuguese people, the day has come for me to hand back the number seven shirt of our national team,” he said.
He reflected on the honour of representing his country for more than two decades, stressing that the shirt represented a responsibility he had proudly carried throughout his career.
“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,” Ronaldo stated.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner admitted that the decision was not easy, explaining that his departure from international football was an emotional one.
“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 added.
Ronaldo’s international journey began in August 2003, a period that transformed him into one of the most celebrated footballers in history.
He described representing Portugal as a life-changing experience, saying: “A journey that began in August 2003 and changed my life forever has come to an end.”
Ronaldo’s Final Chapter with Portugal
Ronaldo’s announcement comes after reports of tension during Portugal’s recent international camp. He reportedly walked out of the camp last month after learning that he would not start the Nations League fixture against Denmark.
Despite the reported incident, his legacy with the national team remains defined by his remarkable goalscoring achievements, leadership and longevity.
His departure marks the end of an era for Portuguese football, with the responsibility of wearing the number seven shirt now set to pass to a new generation of players.
