Cristiano Ronaldo retires from international football after 23 years with Portugal, ending one of the most remarkable careers the game has seen.
The 41-year-old confirmed his decision on Thursday, November 5, 2026, in an emotional video on his official Instagram account, and Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus has since responded.
The announcement comes after weeks of uncertainty surrounding his future with the national team, following his disagreement with Jesus and his departure from the team's training camp in September.
Why Cristiano Ronaldo Retires: His Farewell Message
In his farewell message, Ronaldo addressed the Portuguese people, announcing that the time had come to hand over the national team's iconic number seven shirt to the next generation.
“To the Portuguese people, the day has come for me to hand back the No. 7 shirt of our national team,” he said.
Ronaldo explained that although he never considered the shirt to belong exclusively to him, he had enjoyed the privilege and responsibility of wearing it for 23 years.
He described the decision as a difficult one, explaining that it was not made with his mind alone but also with his heart. He further reflected on a journey that began in August 2003 and changed his life forever.
The forward also expressed gratitude to his teammates, coaches, staff, family, and supporters who stood by him throughout his international career.
“Today I finish my journey on the pitch with the national team. I leave with my head held high, with pride in the path I took, and with the awareness that I gave everything I had for Portugal,” he said.
Watch Ronaldo's retirement announcement in his Instagram video.
A Record-breaking International Career Comes to an End
Ronaldo leaves the international stage with 234 appearances and 146 goals for Portugal, making him the most-capped player and highest goalscorer in men's international football.
Since making his debut in August 2003, he has represented Portugal across six FIFA World Cups and six European Championships, becoming the first male player to score at six different World Cup tournaments.
His international career also included some of Portugal's greatest achievements:
- Captaining the country to its first major international trophy at Euro 2016
- Leading the team to UEFA Nations League titles in 2019 and 2025
Beyond the records and trophies, Ronaldo became a defining figure in Portuguese football, inspiring generations of players and supporters around the world.
Although his international career has ended, the forward is expected to continue playing club football with Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr.
Jorge Jesus Reacts as Cristiano Ronaldo retires
Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus has also reacted to Ronaldo's decision to retire from international football, expressing his disappointment while acknowledging that he must respect the forward's choice.
In a statement shared by football journalist Fabrizio Romano on X, Jesus revealed that he had personally asked Ronaldo to continue representing Portugal because he wanted him by his side.
Jesus also disclosed that he had placed a large photograph of Ronaldo in the team's auditorium so that younger players could look up to him and appreciate his achievements.
“I had a huge photo of him put up in our auditorium so that all the young players could look up to him every single day,” Jesus said.
He added that he had asked Ronaldo to continue with the national team because he needed him by his side, but accepted that the final decision belonged to the player.
Jesus further described Ronaldo as a global icon and an example for Portugal and the national team, stressing that he would always have a place in the hearts of the Portuguese people.
The coach's response acknowledges the significance of Ronaldo's contribution to Portuguese football, even as the forward brings his international career to a close.
Read: Fabrizio Romano's post featuring Jorge Jesus' full response.
Sporting figures and Fans React as Cristiano Ronaldo Retires
Ronaldo's retirement announcement quickly attracted reactions from across the sporting world, with footballers, athletes, entertainers, and supporters acknowledging the end of his international career.
Among those whose reactions drew attention were Jamaican sprinting legend Usain Bolt, internet personality IShowSpeed and Manchester City forward Erling Haaland.
Their reactions reflected the reach of Ronaldo's influence beyond football, with the announcement generating conversations across different sporting communities and social media platforms.
ESPN FC also shared coverage of the reactions, highlighting the widespread attention surrounding the Portuguese forward's decision.
See: ESPN FC's post on the reactions.
Guinness World Records also paid tribute to Ronaldo through a post on its official X account, recognising the remarkable records he leaves behind in international football.
With 146 goals in 234 appearances, Ronaldo holds the men's international records for both goals and appearances, achievements that underline his longevity and consistency at the highest level.
See: Guinness World Records' tribute to Ronaldo.
The End of an Era for Portugal
Now that Cristiano Ronaldo retires, a significant chapter in Portuguese football has closed. For more than two decades, he was the face of the national team, leading his country through major tournaments and establishing records that will remain difficult to surpass.
His departure also presents Portugal with the challenge of moving forward without a player who has been central to its identity for so long. A new generation will now have the opportunity to take on greater responsibility and continue the progress made during Ronaldo's time with the national team.
However, his legacy will remain firmly established in the country's football history. From his debut as a teenager in 2003 to lifting the European Championship trophy in 2016 and winning two Nations League titles, Ronaldo has given Portuguese supporters memories that will endure for generations.
As he hands over the number seven shirt, the records, trophies, and achievements remain a lasting reminder of his contribution to football history. His international journey may be over, but his influence on Portuguese football is unlikely to fade anytime soon.
