Cristiano Ronaldo Photo © picture alliance
The footballer announced his decision on 5 November in a video message posted on social media. Ronaldo stated that he would pass on his number 7 shirt to the next generation after the November international break, according to the AP.
“It was not an easy decision. Some decisions are made not only with the head, but also with the heart,” the striker admitted, thanking Portuguese fans for 23 years of support.
Ronaldo has no plans to end his club career just yet. He will continue to play for Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr, and one of his personal goals remains reaching the 1,000-goal mark in his career. He currently has 985 goals to his name.
Three trophies and six World Cups
Ronaldo’s greatest achievement with the national team was victory at Euro 2016 — the first major title in the history of Portuguese football. The team later won the Nations League in 2019 and 2025.
The striker also set a unique record by scoring at six consecutive World Cups – from 2006 to 2026. He has scored 11 goals in World Cup finals. At the European Championships, Ronaldo remains the competition’s all-time leading scorer with 14 goals in 30 matches.
The 2026 World Cup was the last major tournament of his international career. Portugal’s campaign ended in the round of 16, having lost to the eventual champions, Spain.
The Portuguese Football Federation expressed its “deep gratitude and immense admiration” to Ronaldo, describing him as a symbol of the national team and a role model for young footballers. The Federation also promised to organise a special ceremony in his honour.
This story was translated with the assistance of artificial intelligence.The translation was also reviewed by the Logos Press editorial team.
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