Cristiano Ronaldo Announces Retirement from International Football After 23 Years

Portuguese football legend Cristiano Ronaldo on Thursday announced his retirement from international football, bringing the curtain down on a 23-year career with the national team.

The 41-year-old forward announced his decision through a video message shared on Instagram, reflecting on his journey with Portugal and expressing gratitude for the opportunity to represent his country.

Ronaldo, who made his international debut as a substitute against Kazakhstan in August 2003, said it was time to pass on the number 7 shirt to the next generation.

“To the Portuguese people, the day has come for me to hand back the number 7 shirt of our National Team. I never felt it belonged to me alone. But for 23 years, I had the privilege and the 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,” 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. A journey that began in August 2003, and changed my life forever, has come to an end,” the Al-Nassr striker added.

A RECORD-BREAKING INTERNATIONAL CAREER

Ronaldo retires as Portugal's all-time leading goal-scorer, with 146 goals in 234 appearances. His international career included several milestones, including Portugal's Euro 2016 triumph and its victories in the UEFA Nations League in 2019 and 2025.

Reflecting on his time with the national team, Ronaldo said his journey was about more than goals, records and trophies. He recalled the emotional connection he shared with Portuguese supporters across the world.

“When I look back at everything I experienced with the National Team, I don’t just see matches, goals, records, or trophies. I see people. I see Portuguese people living abroad who, for ninety minutes, felt a little closer to home,” he said.

He added that he had always pushed himself to his limits, driven by the desire to win, improve and make history while representing Portugal.

“Throughout my entire career with the National Team, I always pushed myself beyond my limits. I wanted to win. I wanted to be better. I wanted to make history. I always demanded the most of myself. I always wanted more. I always believed we could go further. And I gave everything I had for this shirt,” he said.

The Portugal captain also recalled the memorable victories and difficult defeats of his international career, saying he had never stopped feeling proud of representing his country.

THANKS TEAMMATES, FAMILY AND SUPPORT STAFF

Ronaldo thanked his teammates, coaches, directors, medical professionals, physiotherapists, kit managers and other support staff who had been part of his journey with Portugal.

He also acknowledged the sacrifices made by his family, particularly the time spent away from them while representing the national team.

“To my teammates, I want to say something special. Thank you for every run, for every embrace, for every argument, for every silence before stepping onto the pitch. For every victory that we celebrated together, and every defeat that made us stronger. I had the privilege of being your captain, but no captain walks alone,” he said.

He urged young Portuguese footballers to dream big, remain determined and continue creating new milestones for the country.

“Portugal will always need young people who dare to dream. Players who never give up. New generations who believe it is possible to go where no one has gone before,” he added.

‘MY GREATEST VICTORY WAS REPRESENTING PORTUGAL’

Ronaldo said he would continue supporting the national team despite stepping away from international football. He described the sight of Portuguese supporters singing the national anthem before matches as one of the memories he would cherish.

Concluding his message, he said he was leaving the national team with his head held high, proud of the journey and the opportunity to represent his country.

“I spent my life working to become the best player in the world. Today, I realise that my greatest victory was earning the honour of representing the best country in the world,” he said.

“Thank you for these 23 years. Thank you for believing in me. Thank you for allowing me to live a dream that began when I was just a little boy in Madeira, running after a football.”

Ronaldo concluded by saying that while the number 7 shirt would pass on to another player, the pride of having worn it would remain with him forever.

With inputs from ANI