Cristiano Ronaldo announces retirement from international football
On 5 November 2026, Cristiano Ronaldo, 41, ended his Portugal career after 234 caps and a men's record 146 international goals.
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Cristiano Ronaldo announced on 5 November 2026 that he was retiring from international football. The 41-year-old forward made the announcement through social media, ending a Portugal career that began in 2003.
He finished with 234 appearances and 146 goals, both men's international records. He played at six World Cups, the most recent in 2026, and captained Portugal to the European Championship title in 2016. He also won the UEFA Nations League, a competition between European national teams, with Portugal in 2019 and 2025.
The decision followed a period of tension around the national team after the 2026 World Cup, and reports linked it to a dispute with coach Jorge Jesus. Ronaldo had earlier said he would not retire from international duty and had spoken of a possible farewell match, so the announcement came as a surprise to many fans.
Its significance was both sporting and symbolic. Ronaldo had been Portugal's captain, top scorer and most recognisable figure for two decades, and his departure left the team without the player who defined it.
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