Cristiano Ronaldo Bids Farewell to International Football
5 November 2026
Cristiano Ronaldo, the iconic forward for Portugal, has officially announced his retirement from international football.
At 41 years of age, Ronaldo has an astonishing record of 146 goals and 234 appearances for his country, both of which stand as world records. He made his international debut back in 2003 and has been a standout performer ever since.
His decision comes after leaving the Portugal camp last month, following the news that he would not start in the Nations League clash against Denmark. In a poignant Instagram video, Ronaldo shared his feelings with fans.
"To the Portuguese people, the day has come for me to hand back the number seven shirt of our national team," he expressed. "While I never felt it was solely mine, I have had the honor of wearing it for 23 years, defending it and showcasing it in stadiums around the globe."
Ronaldo acknowledged that passing the torch was a tough choice, emphasizing that such decisions are often made with both the heart and mind. He reflected on a journey that began in August 2003, a journey that profoundly transformed his life.
"Today, that chapter comes to a close," he added.
Stay tuned for more updates.