The five-time Ballon d'Or winner said he would be handing back Portugal's iconic No. 7 jersey after the November international break. His announcement marks the end of one of the most successful international careers in football history.
Sharing his decision with Portuguese supporters, Ronaldo said, "The day has come for me to hand back the number 7 shirt of our national team."
Reflecting on his long association with the national side, he added, "I never felt it belonged to me alone. But for 23 years I had the privilege and the responsibility of wearing it, defending it, and carrying it with me into stadiums all around the world."
Highs and LowsPortugal estará sempre em mim https://t.co/dnFj51rxmh
— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) November 5, 2026
Reflecting on his journey, Ronaldo admitted that his career had been filled with unforgettable victories as well as difficult moments, but insisted that his commitment to the national team never wavered.
"There were perfect afternoons and nights; there were victories that I will never forget, and there were defeats that I still find difficult to remember today. I also failed, I also suffered, and there were times when I was not able to give the Portuguese what they wanted so much. But I never gave up. And above all, I never stopped feeling proud to represent Portugal," he said.
Tribute To Coaches, Teammates, Support Staff, And Family
He also thanked his teammates, coaches, support staff, and family for standing by him throughout his international journey.
"To all the coaches, directors, doctors, physiotherapists, employees, and so many people who have worked with me over the years, thank you. Many of you never appeared in the photos, but without you, none of those photos would have been possible. To my family, thank you for sharing this dream with me," he said.
"Thank you for understanding the absences, sacrifices, and moments when the national team had to occupy a space that also belonged to you. If I got this far, it was because you were always by my side," he added.
End Of An Era For Portugal
Ronaldo's departure marks the end of an era for Portugal, with the responsibility of carrying the national team's legacy forward now passing to a new generation.
Ronaldo made it clear that his association with the country would remain unchanged even after stepping away from international football.
"Today I finish my journey with the national team; I leave with my head held high, proud of the path I took and aware that I gave everything I had for Portugal. But I will never stop being one of you," he said.
"Today I realize that my greatest victory was earning the privilege of representing the best country in the world. Thank you for these 23 years. Thank you for believing in me," he concluded.
Cristiano Ronaldo's International Career: 234 Matches And 146 Goals
Ronaldo made his senior international debut for Portugal in August 2003, when he was just 18 years old. He went on to become the country's most successful and recognisable footballer.
During his 23-year international career, he made 234 appearances and scored 146 goals, making him the most-capped player and highest goalscorer in men's international football.
Some of the biggest achievements of his international career include:
Euro 2016: Captained Portugal to its first-ever European Championship title.
UEFA Nations League 2019: Helped Portugal win its first edition of the competition.
UEFA Nations League 2025: Played a key role in Portugal's second Nations League triumph.
International goals record: Became the highest goalscorer in men's international football with 146 goals.
International appearances record: Became the most-capped male international footballer with 234 appearances.
Why Has Cristiano Ronaldo Decided To Retire From International Football?
Ronaldo's announcement comes amid reports of tensions with Portugal coach Jorge Jesus.
The forward reportedly became frustrated after being left out of the playing XI during a Nations League fixture. He subsequently left the national team's training camp, triggering speculation about his future with Portugal.
In October, Ronaldo had issued a lengthy statement explaining his departure from the camp, apologising to his teammates and the Portuguese supporters while insisting that he remained committed to representing his country.
However, his latest announcement confirms that he has now decided to bring his international career to an end after the November fixtures.
