Ronaldo to retire from Portugal after falling out with manager
The 41-year-old forward will stop playing for the national team but plans to continue with Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia through the end of the current season.
By Ariana Flores ·
Cristiano Ronaldo announced on Thursday that he is retiring from the Portugal national team. The 41-year-old striker said he will hand back the number 7 shirt, ending a 23-year career that included 234 appearances and 146 goals. These figures stand as all-time records for international football.
Ronaldo posted the news on social media, describing the choice as one made with both the head and the heart. He noted that if his goals ever brought happiness or pride to fans, the effort was worth it. The former captain credited his family, the Portuguese people, and his teammates for their support over the decades.
The departure follows a dispute with coach Jorge Jesus. After Portugal defeated Wales 1-0 on September 24 in the Nations League, Jesus benched Ronaldo for the next match and said he did not plan to start him in the one after that. Ronaldo subsequently left the team's training camp. Jesus later stated that Ronaldo was welcome to return, leaving the decision to the player.
Ronaldo’s tenure with Portugal includes leading the team to their first major trophy at Euro 2016. He also helped secure Nations League titles in 2019 and 2025. His international career is now concluding just weeks after Lionel Messi retired from Argentina following a farewell match last month.
The Portuguese football federation responded with a statement expressing deep gratitude and immense admiration for Ronaldo’s service. The body said he raised the country's profile and inspired young players, calling him the greatest player of all time for many. They plan to organize a tribute event so fans can celebrate his contributions.
Ronaldo will continue playing at the club level. He is expected to finish his career at Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia at the end of this season. He is currently 15 goals away from reaching 1,000 career goals, having scored 985 so far.
The federation said it intends to hold a ceremony where fans and the country can applaud the player one more time. No specific date for the tribute has been announced.
