Cristiano Ronaldo Retires from Portugal: The End of a 23-Year Record Career in 2026

Cristiano Ronaldo has retired from international football. He told the world on Thursday, 5 November 2026, in a video message. He is handing back Portugal’s famous No. 7 shirt after 23 years. I have followed his whole journey with Portugal. Here is the full story: what he said, his record numbers, and what happens next. Every fact comes from CNN, Reuters, USA Today and The Times.

A quick note: Ronaldo is NOT quitting football completely. He will keep playing club football for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia. This farewell is only about the Portugal national team.

In this article

• His farewell announcement
• The record numbers
• The trophies that changed Portugal
• Why the ending turned bitter
• What the federation said
• What comes next
• Frequently asked questions
• Final thoughts

How Ronaldo announced his farewell

Ronaldo posted a long video on social media on Thursday, 5 November 2026. In the video, he read a letter to his supporters. The video was titled “Portugal will always be a part of me.” “The day has come for me to hand back the number 7 shirt of our national team,” he said. “I never thought it belonged to me alone. But for 23 years, I had the privilege and the responsibility of wearing it.” He added, “It was not an easy decision, because there are decisions that are not made only with the head. They are also made with the heart.” His journey began in August 2003, when he made his debut as an 18-year-old. Now, at 41, that journey has come to an end.

The record numbers that may never be beaten

I love numbers, because numbers never lie. Ronaldo played 234 times for Portugal. He scored 146 goals for his country. Both are men’s international records. No man has ever scored more goals for his nation. No man has ever played more games for his nation. He also played in six World Cups, a record in itself. His last World Cup came this summer in North America. Portugal lost to Spain in the round of 16. The one big prize he never won was the World Cup itself. CNN and Reuters confirm the same figures.

The trophies that changed Portugal forever

I grew up watching Portugal fall short again and again. Before Ronaldo, Portugal had never won a major trophy. Then came the summer of 2016. Ronaldo lifted the European Championship trophy in France, and Portugal finally became champions of Europe. It was the first major title in the country’s history. Portugal went on to win the UEFA Nations League twice, in 2019 and again in 2025. Those three trophies are the heart of his legacy. His great rival Lionel Messi has also said goodbye to his national team. You can read our report on Messi’s farewell to Argentina to see how the other half of football’s greatest rivalry ended.

Why the ending turned bitter

I wish I could tell you this was a perfect ending. It was not. After this summer’s World Cup, Ronaldo clashed with new head coach Jorge Jesus. Things got worse in late September. Ronaldo stormed out of a national team training camp on 30 September, one day before a Nations League match in Denmark. The federation punished him with a 30-day suspension and a fine of €255. Coach Jesus later said he wanted Ronaldo to keep playing. “All of this is his decision,” Jesus told Canal 11, the federation’s official channel. His last game for Portugal turned out to be a 1-0 win over Wales on 24 September 2026.

What the Portugal Football Federation said

I always look at what the federation says, because it shows how a country truly feels. The Portuguese Football Federation released a statement on Thursday. It said it “refuses to let this farewell take place without due tribute.” It promised a fitting tribute, so fans and the country can applaud him once more. Whether Ronaldo gets a farewell match on the pitch is not confirmed yet. Portugal’s next games are close. They play Denmark in Braga on 14 November, then travel to Cardiff to face Wales on 17 November.

What comes next for Ronaldo and Portugal

I get asked this question a lot: is Ronaldo finished? The answer is no. He is not retiring from football completely. He still plays for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, where he has played since 2023. His contract runs until June 2027. He is also chasing one last huge milestone: 1,000 career goals. He is currently on 985, so he needs just 15 more. For Portugal, a new era begins. The young players who grew up watching Ronaldo must now carry the shirt themselves. Meanwhile, the football world keeps moving. This week also brought big drama in the Champions League, where Mbappe overtook Raul with his 72nd goal in a stunning Real Madrid comeback.

More top stories this week: Bitcoin back above $80,000, Democrats sweep Congress, Bank of England raises rates.

Frequently asked questions

When did Cristiano Ronaldo retire from Portugal?

On Thursday, 5 November 2026, in a video message on social media.

How many goals and games did Ronaldo have for Portugal?

He played 234 games and scored 146 goals. Both are men’s international records.

Has Ronaldo retired from football completely?

No. He has only retired from international football. He will keep playing club football for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, under contract until June 2027.

What trophies did Ronaldo win with Portugal?

Euro 2016 and the Nations League in 2019 and 2025. Euro 2016 was Portugal’s first-ever major trophy.

Why did Ronaldo retire now?

He called it a decision of the heart. A row with coach Jorge Jesus, a camp walkout, a 30-day suspension and a €255 fine clouded his final months.

What was Ronaldo’s last game for Portugal?

A 1-0 win over Wales on 24 September 2026.

Will Ronaldo get a farewell match?

Not confirmed yet. The federation said it “refuses to let this farewell take place without due tribute.” A farewell match is possible, but nothing has been announced.

How close is Ronaldo to 1,000 career goals?

He is currently on 985 career goals, so he needs 15 more. He will now chase that milestone with Al-Nassr.

Final thoughts

I have watched football for a long time, and I can say this with all my heart. Players like Ronaldo do not come around twice. He wore the Portugal shirt for 23 years, and he gave everything he had every single time. Yes, the ending was messy. But none of that can take away what he built. When I think of Portugal now, I think of a champion. That is his gift to his country. Thank you, Cristiano.