Cristiano Ronaldo has retired from international football. The Portugal captain announced it in a video. He said the day had come to hand back the number 7 shirt of the national team. He said he never felt it belonged to him alone. But for 23 years he had the honour and the duty of wearing it, defending it and carrying it into stadiums around the world.
The news surprised many fans. People are now asking what he will do next. Ronaldo already has ideas. He spoke about his plans in a Vogue interview. He said he wants to have more fun and travel more. He also wants to watch and play padel, a sport he really enjoys. He said it has been 25 years with a lot of sacrifice. Now he wants to enjoy the life he and Georgina Rodríguez have built together. The interview came after their wedding and amid talk about his retirement. Reports from Reuters and Sky News carried the same comments.
The Portuguese federation released a statement. It expressed deep gratitude and immense admiration for his service. It said Ronaldo raised Portugal’s profile and inspired generations of young people who dream of following in his footsteps. It called him, for many, the greatest player of all time. Lionel Messi, Ronaldo’s long-time rival, finished his Argentina career last month with a farewell match. Ronaldo’s last game was the win over Wales in September.
Ronaldo is not stepping into the unknown. He is thinking about family time, travel and a sport he loves. He ends with 146 goals in 234 appearances for Portugal. No men’s player has scored more or played more games for their country. He also won the Ballon d’Or five times.
Cristiano Ronaldo Retires From Portugal After 23 Years as Captain
Cristiano Ronaldo made his debut in 2003. He captained Portugal to their first major trophy at Euro 2016. He also helped them win the Nations League in 2019 and 2025. His exit comes after a dispute with the Portuguese federation. His last game was on September 24, a 1-0 win over Wales in the Nations League. Coach Roberto Jesus kept him on the bench for the next match and said he did not plan to start him soon. So Ronaldo left the training camp. Jesus later said Ronaldo was welcome back and the choice was his.
In his announcement, Ronaldo said it was time to give back the number 7 shirt. He said he never felt it was his alone. But for 23 years he had the honour and duty of wearing it and carrying it into stadiums around the world. He said the decision was not easy. Some choices, he said, are made with the heart, not just the mind. He said if he or a goal made someone hug another person or forget a worry or feel proud of Portugal, then it was all worth it.
He said his journey began in August 2003 and changed his life. When he looks back, he does not just see matches, goals, records or trophies. He sees people. He sees Portuguese living abroad who felt closer to home for 90 minutes. He sees millions of Portuguese he never met but who became part of his life. He said football is bigger than a game.
Ronaldo said he always pushed himself beyond his limits. He wanted to win, be better, and make history. He always demanded the most from himself. He always wanted more. He gave everything for the shirt. There were perfect afternoons and nights, victories he will never forget, and defeats that still hurt. He made mistakes. He suffered. There were times he could not give the Portuguese people what they wanted. But he never gave up. And he never stopped feeling proud to represent Portugal.
FAQs
Q. At what age did Cristiano Ronaldo retire from international football?
A. Ronaldo retired from international football at 41.
Q. How many goals did Ronaldo score for Portugal?
A. Ronaldo scored 146 goals in 234 appearances for Portugal.
Q. Which major trophies did Ronaldo win with Portugal?
A. Ronaldo won Euro 2016 and the Nations League in 2019 and 2025.
Q. What does Ronaldo plan to do after retiring from international football?
A. Ronaldo wants to spend more time with his family, travel and enjoy playing padel.
Q. When did Ronaldo make his international debut?
A. Ronaldo made his Portugal debut in August 2003.
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