Cristiano Ronaldo has reportedly retired from international football with Portugal at the age of 41.
He shared his retirement statement in an emotional video shared on his official X account (formerly Twitter).
“To the Portuguese people: The day has come to return the number seven jersey of the national team that belongs to all of us. I never felt that it belonged exclusively to me, but for 23 years, I had the privilege and responsibility of wearing it, defending it and carrying it with me to stadiums across the world. Today, the time has come to hand it over to the future,” said Ronaldo.
His retirement brings an end to a remarkable career spanning more than two decades.
“It was not an easy decision, because some decisions are not made with the head alone; they are also made with the heart. A journey that began in August 2003 and changed my life forever is coming to an end. When I look back and think about everything I experienced with the national team, I don’t see only matches, goals, records or trophies. I see people,” the footballer further said.
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In the five-minute video, Ronaldo indicated that throughout his career with the national team, he always tried to surpass his limits.
“I wanted to win, I wanted to be the best, and I wanted to make history. I was always demanding of myself. I always wanted more. I always believed we could go further. And I gave everything I had for this jersey. There were perfect afternoons and nights, victories I will never forget, and defeats that still hurt me to remember,” he explained.
What Ronaldo has learnt in his football career
The football star also admitted that he made mistakes, and also suffered, and that there were moments when he could not give the Portuguese people what they so deeply desired.
“But I never gave up. Above all, I never stopped feeling proud to represent Portugal. Over the years, I have learned some very simple lessons. Goals fade, trophies end up in museums, and records are eventually broken. But there is something time can never erase: the place we occupy in people’s hearts,” he explained.
The legendary forward leaves the national team having earned 243 international caps and scored 146 goals, making him one of the most prolific players in international football history.
Ronaldo’s illustrious international career saw him lead Portugal to the Euro 2016 title and two UEFA Nations League trophies.
His reported decision comes in the wake of a fallout with head coach Jorge Jesus during the previous international break.
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However, according to Ronaldo, Portugal will always need young people who dream, players who never give up, and new generations who believe it is possible to reach places no one has ever reached before.
“Because a country that continues to create new heroes is a country that never stops believing in itself. To my national team teammates, I want to leave a special message. Thank you for every run, every embrace, every argument, every silence before stepping onto the pitch, every victory we celebrated together and every defeat that made us stronger,” he said.
Christiano Ronaldo pays tribute to his teammates
Ronaldo emphasised that he had the privilege of being their captain, “but no captain walks alone. And you will always be part of my story.”
“To all the coaches, officials, doctors, physiotherapists, kit managers, staff members and everyone who worked alongside me throughout these years, thank you. Many of you never appeared in the photographs, but without you, none of those photographs would have been possible,” he added.
He also thanked his family on what he termed sharing his dream with him.
“Thank you for understanding the absences, the sacrifices and the moments when the national team had to occupy a space that also belonged to you. If I have come this far, it is because we have always stood hand in hand,” remarked the football legend.
To the Portuguese people, Ronaldo said, “to all Portuguese people scattered across the world, I want to tell you one last thing. There is one image I will always carry with me: the moment the national anthem begins.”
“Today, my journey on the pitch with the national team comes to an end. I leave with my head held high, proud of the journey I have made and knowing that I gave everything I had for Portugal.”
He promised the Portuguese people that he will never stop being one of them saying:
“I will continue to suffer, cheer and celebrate every Portuguese victory as if. I have spent my life working to become the best footballer in the world. Today, I realise that the greatest victory was earning the honour of representing the best country in the world. Thank you for these 23 years. Thank you for believing in me.”
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He further thankes them for allowing him to live a dream that began when he was just a little boy in Madeira, running after a football.
“The number seven jersey stays. The pride of having worn it will remain mine forever. Portugal will always be within me. Until we meet again. Cristiano Ronaldo,” Ronaldo said.
Ronaldo turns focus to 1,000-goal milestone
Following his retirement, Ronaldo is now shifting his attention to club football and the pursuit of 1,000 career goals following his retirement from international football with Portugal.
The 41-year-old forward continues to feature for Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr FC, where he is contracted until June 30, 2027.
Ronaldo has so far scored 985 official senior career goals for club and country, leaving him just 15 goals shy of the historic 1,000-goal milestone.
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He remains in impressive form in the 2026–27 season, recently scoring a hat-trick in Al-Nassr’s thrilling 5-3 victory over Al-Kholood on October 29.
Al-Nassr are scheduled to face Al-Hazem on Friday, November 6, as Ronaldo continues his pursuit of one of football’s most remarkable individual milestones.
