Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to a 23-year career with Portugal.
The 41-year-old forward made the announcement in an emotional message on Instagram on Thursday, saying he was ready to hand over the national team’s number seven shirt.
“The day has come for me to hand back the number 7 shirt of our national team,” Ronaldo said.
He described the decision as difficult, adding that his time with Portugal had changed his life.
“A journey that began in August 2003 and changed my life forever has come to an end,” he said.
Ronaldo made his senior debut against Kazakhstan on August 20, 2003, and went on to become the most-capped male international footballer in history.
He also leaves Portugal as the leading scorer in men’s international football, with 146 goals in 234 appearances, according to UEFA figures cited in the report.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner said he had always pushed himself to achieve more while representing his country, despite setbacks and disappointments.
“I wanted to win, I wanted to be better, I wanted to make history. I always demanded the most of myself,” he said. “And I gave everything I had for this shirt.”
Ronaldo captained Portugal to its first major international trophy at Euro 2016, although he was forced off injured during the final against France. Portugal later won the UEFA Nations League in 2019 and 2025.
He also featured at the 2004 European Championship, where Portugal finished as runners-up after losing to Greece.
Beyond international football, Ronaldo has won five Champions League titles and league championships in England, Spain and Italy. He became Real Madrid’s all-time leading goalscorer during his nine-year spell with the club.
Ronaldo said he would remember the people and experiences of his international career, including Portuguese supporters at home and abroad.
“Football is so much bigger than a game. Football is about people,” he said.
