Ronaldo steps down from Portugal national team

Cristiano Ronaldo announced on Thursday that he will no longer play for the Portugal national team. The decision concludes a 23-year tenure that included appearances in six World Cups and a European championship title. Ronaldo, who is 41, released a video message on social media to inform fans.

In the message, Ronaldo said he was handing back the No. 7 shirt to the Portuguese people. He described the period from August 2003 to the present as a journey that changed his life. He noted that the decision was made with both his mind and his heart.

Ronaldo’s career with the national team began in the summer of 2003, just before Euro 2004. His final match for Portugal took place on Sept. 24. In that game, Portugal defeated Wales 1-0 in the Nations League. He had previously been on the bench for the match before that one.

Coach Jorge Jesus stated he did not plan to start Ronaldo in the next scheduled match. Following this, Ronaldo left the national team’s training camp. Jesus later said Ronaldo would be welcome to return, but the choice was up to him. This sequence of events led to Ronaldo’s final decision to retire from international play.

The Portuguese soccer federation issued a statement expressing deep gratitude for Ronaldo’s service. The federation said he raised the country’s profile and inspired young players. They described him as the greatest player of all time for many people. The group plans to hold a tribute event so fans can celebrate his contributions.

Ronaldo will continue his professional career at the club level. He is expected to finish his club career at the end of this season. He is currently pursuing his 1,000th career goal and has scored 985. A record 146 of those goals came in 234 appearances with Portugal.

Bloomberg reported in October 2025 that Ronaldo became the first player in his sport to join the ranks of the wealthiest athletes. He holds the men’s all-time international scoring record.