Portugal’s all-time record appearance maker and goalscorer has called time on his international career at the age of 41.
Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football, bringing the curtain down on a Portugal career that spanned 23 years, 234 caps and 146 goals.
The 41-year-old confirmed the decision on Thursday, ending one of the most remarkable international careers the game has ever seen.
A record-breaking career
Ronaldo made his Portugal debut in 2003 and leaves as both his country’s most-capped player and its record goalscorer. His 234 appearances and 146 goals are the highest totals in the history of men’s international football.
He captained Portugal to their first major trophy at Euro 2016 in France, and added UEFA Nations League titles in 2019 and 2025.
A difficult ending
His exit follows a fall-out with Portugal manager Jorge Jesus last month. Ronaldo was left out of a Nations League match and left the team’s training camp, with reports saying he felt he had been promised minutes on the pitch before plans changed.
The timing of the announcement comes ahead of Portugal naming their squad for the November international window.
Ronaldo had hinted earlier this year that 2026 could be his final season of football, and he is expected to continue his club career with Al Nassr.
The end of an era
For a generation of fans, international football without Ronaldo will take some getting used to. From a teenage winger at Euro 2004 to the leader who finally delivered silverware for his country, he has been at the centre of Portugal’s story for more than two decades.
Whatever the manner of his exit, his place among the greatest players in international history is secure.
