An era in international football has come to an emotional end as Cristiano Ronaldo announced his retirement from the Portugal national team.
Cristiano Ronaldo, the Portuguese football icon, has announced his retirement from international football on Thursday. The striker announced his decision in a five-minute video on social media platforms.
The Portuguese striker’s decision came after having a falling-out with national team manager Jorge Jesus, which led to him leaving the camp midway through their campaign in the UEFA Nations League 2026.
Unfortunately, Ronaldo did not have a happy ending to a celebrated career, which has some of the greatest records and numbers the footballer achieved in the past two decades.
‘The day has come to hand back No. 7’
In the video, Ronaldo said he will return the No. 7 shirt to the Portuguese national football team after โthe โ November international break. He also expressed gratitude for having the privilege to don the shirt and carry it on his back around the world.
“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.” Ronaldo said in the heartfelt video captioned, “Portugal will always be in me.”
End of an era
Ronaldo has appeared in 234 โmatches โfor โ Portugal and has scored โ146 goals. He also โholds โ the all-time record for โ international โappearances and โinternational goals. His football career spanned six World Cups and includes a European title victory.
More from Football NewsCR7 led Portugal to its first major trophies, broke countless scoring records, and cemented his status as one of the greatest footballers in the history of the sport.
The Portuguese striker’s retirement marked the end of an era, bringing the curtain down on one of the most decorated and influential international careers in football history.