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Cristiano Ronaldo announces his international retirement

The announcement comes after his reported rift with manager Jorge Jesus appeared to have been resolved

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Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his intention to retire from international football, bringing an end to his illustrious Portugal career.

The announcement comes after his reported rift with manager Jorge Jesus appeared to have been resolved.

The 41-year-old revealed in a social media post that he would “hand back the No. 7 shirt” following the November international break.

Ronaldo leaves behind an extraordinary international record, having made 234 appearances and scored 146 goals for Portugal. He holds the all-time records for both international appearances and goals.

“The day has come back for me to hand back the number 7 shirt of our national team,” he said. “I never felt it belonged to me alone. But for 23 years I had the privilege and the 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. When I look back at everything with the national team, I don’t just see the matches, goals, records or trophies.

“Goals fade. Trophies end up in museums. Records are eventually broken. But there is something that time can never erase: the place we hold in people’s hearts.

“Thank you for these 23 years. Thank you for having believed in me. Portugal will always be in me. Forever.”

Widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner made his international debut in 2003.

He helped Portugal win the 2016 European Championship and two Nations League titles. Ronaldo also scored three goals at the 2026 World Cup, which he had previously confirmed would be his final appearance at the tournament.

His long-time rival Lionel Messi also announced his international retirement at the end of August, bringing an end to another remarkable international career.