Cristiano Ronaldo has retired from international football. He announced the decision in a long video message on social media on Thursday. "To the Portuguese people, the day has come for me to hand back the No 7 shirt of our national team," the 41-year-old said, according to The Guardian. He added that the decision was not easy because "some decisions are not made with the mind alone".
Ronaldo leaves with 234 caps and 146 goals. BBC Sport, quoted by Nile Post, said both figures are world records. His international career began in August 2003. Pulse Live Kenya reported that he made his debut against Kazakhstan. The Guardian said his career spanned six World Cups. Ronaldo captained Portugal to their first European Championship title in 2016 and won the UEFA Nations League in 2019 and 2025.
His exit follows a public dispute with coach Jorge Jesus. The Eastleigh Voice reported that the row began on September 27, when Portugal beat Norway 2-1 in Oslo. Ronaldo warmed up but stayed on the bench. He left the camp in Copenhagen on September 30, before the October 1 match against Denmark. In an October 6 statement, he accused Jesus of breaking his word twice. Jesus denied making the agreement Ronaldo described. He said the door remained open for the forward's return.
The Portuguese Football Federation then handed Ronaldo a 30-day suspension and a fine. Pulse Live Kenya put the fine at €255 (Ksh37,337) and said the ban expired before the November fixtures. According to The Guardian, his last Portugal appearance was a 1-0 Nations League win over Wales on September 24.
The federation expressed "deep gratitude and immense admiration" for his service. "For many of us, he is the greatest player of all time!" it said, as quoted by The Guardian. It plans to organise a tribute so fans can celebrate him one more time.
The sources disagree on whether Ronaldo will play for Portugal again. The Eastleigh Voice reported that he will retire after the November fixtures and is in the preliminary squad. Portugal host Denmark on November 14, then face Wales in Cardiff three days later. Nile Post said the squad will be announced on Friday.
Ronaldo will keep playing club football with Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia. The Guardian said he is expected to end his club career there at the end of this season. He has 985 career goals and is chasing 1,000. His long-time rival Lionel Messi retired from international football in October.