Cristiano Ronaldo Ends Portugal Career After 23 Years and Record 146 Goals
Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from Portugal's national team after a record 234 appearances and 146 goals, while continuing his club career.
LISBON, PORTUGAL — Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football, bringing to a close a 23-year career with Portugal in which he became the men's international record-holder for appearances and goals.
The 41-year-old forward announced his decision on Thursday, November 5, 2026. His departure ends a journey that began in August 2003, when he made his senior national-team debut as a teenager.
A record-breaking international career
Ronaldo earned 234 senior caps and scored 146 goals for Portugal, both men's international records at the time of his announcement. He represented the country at six FIFA World Cup tournaments and became the first man to score at six editions of the competition.
Among his most significant team achievements were Portugal's victory at UEFA Euro 2016 and Nations League titles in 2019 and 2025. Those triumphs helped establish an era in which Portugal was consistently competitive at major international tournaments.
Ronaldo's final World Cup appearance came in 2026, when Portugal exited the tournament in the round of 16. He had earlier indicated that it would be his last World Cup, but his November announcement confirmed the end of his national-team career more broadly.
Farewell to the national team
In a video shared through his social media channels, Ronaldo expressed appreciation for Portuguese supporters, teammates, coaches and those who had contributed to his international career. He described handing back the national team's number seven shirt as an emotional decision.
His announcement does not mean he has retired from professional football altogether. He is expected to continue his club career with Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia.
Legacy for the next generation
Ronaldo's longevity, goalscoring records and international titles have made him one of Portugal's most influential sporting figures. His departure leaves the national team facing a new chapter without a player who led its attack for more than two decades.
Official football reference: FIFA, November 5, 2026. https://www.fifa.com/en/tournaments/mens/worldcup/articles/cristiano-ronaldo-portugal-retirement
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