Portuguese football star Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football, ending a 23-year career with the national team.
The 41-year-old forward shared the decision in an emotional statement on Instagram on Thursday, confirming he is stepping down and handing over the iconic number seven shirt.
“The day has come for me to hand back the number 7 shirt of our national team,” Ronaldo said, adding that the choice was made with his heart rather than his mind alone. “A journey that began in August 2003 and changed my life forever has come to an end.”
Reflecting on his historic tenure, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner emphasized that his legacy extends far beyond records and trophies. “I see people. I see the Portuguese people living abroad who, for 90 minutes, felt a little closer to home… Football is about people.”
Record-breaking international legacy
Ronaldo departs the international stage holding numerous all-time records validated by UEFA figures up to October 2026:
- All-time goalscorer: He finishes as the highest-scoring player in men’s international football history, netting 146 goals in 234 appearances.
- Most-capped player: He holds the record as the most-capped male international footballer in history.
- Tournament milestones: Having made his senior debut against Kazakhstan on August 20, 2003, he went on to become the first player to score at six different World Cup tournaments during the 2026 competition.
He captained Portugal to their historic first major international triumph at Euro 2016—despite suffering an injury in the final against France—and subsequently led the squad to victory in the inaugural UEFA Nations League in 2019, followed by another title in 2025.
Club dominance and unmatched trophy cabinet
Alongside his international exploits, Ronaldo leaves behind an extraordinary club legacy. He secured five Ballon d’Or awards and five UEFA Champions League titles, starring for powerhouse clubs including Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus.
He departs as Real Madrid’s all-time leading goalscorer, having clinched domestic league titles across England, Spain, and Italy during a glittering career at the elite level of club football.
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