Cristiano Ronaldo announced his retirement from international football on 5 November 2026, drawing the curtain on a 23-year career with Portugal that produced records unlikely to be matched in men's football for generations. The 41-year-old forward confirmed his decision through an emotional video posted on X, bidding farewell as the highest goalscorer and most-capped player in the history of men's international football.

A Career in Numbers

Ronaldo finishes his international journey with 146 goals in 234 appearances for the Portuguese national team, records that have cemented his place among the sport's all-time greats. His senior debut for Portugal came in August 2003, and over the two decades that followed, he carried the famous number 7 jersey to stadiums across the world. No other male player in international football history has scored more goals or earned more caps.

Ronaldo's Farewell Message

In an extended farewell posted on social media platform X, Ronaldo described handing over the number 7 jersey as a moment of profound significance. 'To the Portuguese, the day has come to return the number 7 jersey of the national team to all of us. I never felt like it was exclusively mine, but for 23 years I had the privilege and responsibility to wear it, to defend it and to take it with me to the stadiums all over the world. Today the time has come to give it to the future,' he said.

Ronaldo also acknowledged the imperfections of his tenure, noting defeats and personal failings alongside the triumphs. 'There were perfect afternoons and nights; there were victories that I will never forget, and there were defeats that I still have a hard time remembering today. I also failed, I also suffered, there were also times when I was not able to give the Portuguese what they wanted so much. But I never gave up. And above all, I never stopped feeling proud to represent Portugal,' he said.

Gratitude to Teammates, Staff and Family

Ronaldo used his farewell to extend thanks to every individual who supported his international career — including coaches, medical staff, physiotherapists, and dressing-room personnel who rarely appeared in the spotlight. 'Many of you never appeared in the photos, but without you, none of these photos would have been possible,' he said. He also paid tribute to his family for enduring the sacrifices that came with the commitment to the national team across nearly a quarter-century.

What Comes Next for Portugal

Ronaldo's departure marks a generational shift for the Portuguese national team, which must now identify new leaders to shoulder the expectations that came with his presence. Notably, he was emphatic that stepping away from international football would not alter his identity as a Portuguese. 'Today I finish my walk 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. But I will never stop being one of you,' he said, signing off with a message of gratitude for 23 years of support from the nation.