Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football after a record-breaking career with Portugal.
The 41-year-old announced the news Thursday in a lengthy video where he read a letter to his supporters.
“The day has come for me to return the number 7 jersey of our national team,” he said, referring to his iconic jersey number.
“I never thought it was just mine. But for 23 years, I had the privilege and responsibility to wear it.”
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Ronaldo played a record 234 times for his country, scoring a record 146 international goals. No man has scored more or made more appearances for his nation.
The highlight of his international career came in 2016 when he won the European Championship trophy for his country. He also helped Portugal win the UEFA Nations League in 2019 and 2025.
For all his success, his relationship with the national team has slowly deteriorated over the past few years – largely due to his declining performances on the pitch.
Although age was clearly catching up with him, Ronaldo continued to start despite his impact diminishing and fans began to become frustrated.
After this summer’s World Cup in North America, the striker then clashed with new head coach Jorge Jesus and stormed out of a national team training camp last month.
Ronaldo, however, apologized and it appeared he would continue his career with the national team.
His announcement comes shortly after his rival Lionel Messi also retired from international football with Argentina.
Despite the unceremonious ending, no one can doubt the impact Ronaldo had on Portuguese football.
For many, he is the greatest player the country has ever produced and he propelled the team to their first ever major trophy.
“It was not an easy decision, because there are decisions that are not only made with the head. They are also made with the heart,” Ronaldo said in his video titled “Portugal will always be part of me”.
“If I ever made you happy, if any of my goals made you hug someone, forget a worry, or feel proud of our country, then it was worth it.”
Ronaldo’s announcement comes ahead of the international break later this month, when the Selection are expected to face Denmark and Wales in the UEFA Nations League.
The Portuguese Football Federation said in a statement on Thursday that it “refuses to let these farewells take place without the tribute due to them”, as it prepares to announce its squad for the next matches.
“It is our firm and immense desire to organize, plan, participate and actively collaborate in what will always be a fitting tribute to the immense career of Cristiano Ronaldo, in which the fans and the country will be able to applaud and celebrate, once again, the player who gave us so much,” we can read.
The superstar isn’t completely retiring, however. He still plays for Saudi side Al-Nassr FC, where he is on the verge of scoring 1,000 career goals – he is currently at 985.
This story has been updated with additional information.
Gn sports
