Cristiano Ronaldo Retires From Portugal After 23-Year International Career
The Portuguese Football Federation plans a tribute after the 41-year-old ended his international career with 234 appearances and 146 goals.
- On Thursday, November 5, 2026, Cristiano Ronaldo announced his retirement from international football, ending a 23-year career with 146 goals in 234 appearances for Portugal.
- Head coach Jorge Jesus benched the 41-year-old during a Nations League match against Norway, prompting Ronaldo to leave the national team's training camp in September.
- Following his unauthorized departure, the Portuguese Football Federation issued a 30-day suspension and a 255 euro fine; Ronaldo confirmed he would 'hand back the number 7 shirt.'
- The Portuguese Football Federation expressed 'deep gratitude and immense admiration,' announcing plans to organize a tribute celebrating the player who led Portugal to Euro 2016 and Nations League titles.
- Ronaldo will continue playing for Saudi club Al-Nassr, where he pursues a 1,000 career goal milestone sitting at 985 goals as the season concludes.
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898 Articles
Cristiano Ronaldo announces Portugal retirement after 23 years
The 41-year-old forward announced in an emotional message shared across his social media handles on Thursday, confirming that he was ready to hand over Portugal's iconic number seven shirt to the next generation.
Cristiano Ronaldo announced that he will not wear Portugal's shirt again, putting an end to a race that covered six World Cups and included a European title and the men's record of international goals of all time.The announcement marks the end of a laureate race that began more than two decades ago, before the 2004 Euro Cup, and ended with his departure from the national team after he distanced himself from the coach, Jorge Jesus. “For the Portu…
"Not an Easy Decision" - Cristiano Ronaldo Announces Sudden Retirement From International Duty After Fallout With Coach
Football’s most stubborn competitor, Cristiano Ronaldo, has finally lost the one argument he could never win: the one with the calendar, and with a coach who wouldn’t bend. A career built on refusing to go quietly has ended with a bang, and with an unmistakable sense that it did not have to end like this. […]
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