Cristiano Ronaldo RETIRES from Portugal after stunning 23-year international career but weeks after high-profile walk-out

Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from Portugal, bringing to an end a stunning 23-year career with his country.

The 41-year-old bows out of international football having scored 146 goals and won 234 caps – both world records – since making his debut in 2003.

Ronaldo’s career with Portugal ends on a sour note though following his high-profile walk-out from their UEFA Nations League squad in September after falling out with head coach Jorge Jesus. In that same international window, the now-former Portugal captain released a near 2,000-word statement explaining his reasons, taking aim at Jesus for ‘breaking his word’.

The iconic No 7 was only fined £215 for his actions and suspended for 30 days meaning he was eligible for selection ahead of Jesus naming his UEFA Nations League squad on Friday for this month’s matches.

However, on Thursday, Ronaldo ended speculation about any possible recall by retiring.

Cristiano Ronaldo statement

‘To the Portuguese people, the day has come for me to hand back the number seven shirt of our national team,’ Ronaldo said in an Instagram video.

‘I never felt it belonged to me alone, but for 23 years I had the privilege and responsibility of wearing it, defending it and carrying it with me into stadiums all around the world.

‘Today the time has come to pass it on to the future. It was not an easy decision, because some decisions are not made with the mind alone – they are also made with the heart.

‘A journey that began in August 2003 and changed my life forever has come to an end.’

Following Ronaldo’s announcement, the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) said a ‘due tribute’ will be forthcoming.

A statement read: ‘It is our firm and immense desire to organise, plan, participate and actively collaborate in what will always be a fitting tribute to Cristiano Ronaldo’s immense career, in which fans and the country can applaud and celebrate, once again, the player who has given us so much.’

Ronaldo led Portugal to Euro 2016 glory as well as winning the Nations League in 2019 and 2025 but World Cup success eluded him.

He played in a record six European Championships and a joint record six World Cups, while he also holds the individual record for the most international victories with 141.

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