Ronaldo announced his retirement from the Portugal national team

“If one of my goals has brought you joy, then all my efforts were worth it” – with these words, Cristiano Ronaldo said goodbye to the Portugal national team on November 5.

Cristiano Ronaldo, the Portuguese forward and one of the most famous footballers in the world, announced his retirement from the national team of Portugal at the age of 41.

He stated that he is ending his journey with his head held high and with pride. Ronaldo also announced that he is returning the number 7 jersey of his national team. However, he will always continue to support the national team and celebrate every victory with his signature shout “Siuu”.

Cristiano Ronaldo played 234 matches for the Portugal national team and scored 146 goals, thus setting a record in the history of football for the national team.

For the first time in 2016, Ronaldo led the national team of Portugal to the title of European champion. In 2019 and 2025, he won the Nations League Cup twice. He is a five-time winner of the Ballon d’Or and the first footballer to score goals in six World Cups.

His last major tournament was the 2026 World Cup. In the Round of 16, Portugal lost 0-1 to Spain, which subsequently became the world champion.

Ronaldo’s farewell came a few weeks after a conflict with the national team coach. In September, after disagreements with head coach Jorge Jesus, he left the team’s camp unilaterally. Ronaldo stated that the reason was the coach’s failure to fulfill a promise, but Jesus denied this claim. After that, Ronaldo apologized and expressed his willingness to return, but the Portuguese Football Federation suspended him for 30 days and fined him 255 euros.

Ronaldo’s statements sparked heated debates in Portugal. The Portuguese Football Federation thanked him for his contribution to the history of football in the country. Jesus stated that he would have liked Ronaldo to stay on the team but respects his decision. Portuguese footballer Bruno Fernandes called his teammate an “inspiration,” and Prime Minister Luis Montenegro wrote that Ronaldo’s achievements will forever remain part of Portugal’s history.

Despite retiring from the national team, Ronaldo is not leaving football. He will continue to play for the Saudi club Al-Nassr.