End of an Era: Cristiano Ronaldo Announces International Retirement at 41

The Portuguese icon ends his 23-year international career with the Seleção as the all-time leading scorer in men’s international football, saying, “Forever. Portugal will always be a part of me”

Cristiano Ronaldo, end of an era

Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football at age 41, bringing an end to his historic, record-breaking career with Portugal.

The football icon confirmed his decision on Thursday in an emotional Instagram video, reading a heartfelt farewell letter to supporters. “Today, the time has come to pass it on to the future. It was not an easy decision,” Ronaldo said. “The day has come for me to hand back the number 7 shirt of our national team.”

“I never thought it belonged to me alone. But for 23 years, I had the privilege and the responsibility of wearing it.”

“The number 7 shirt remains. The pride of having worn it will be mine. Forever. Portugal will always be a part of me.”

Ronaldo made his international debut in 2003 under Luiz Felipe Scolari and helped Portugal reach the Euro 2004 final before guiding his country to its first European Championship title in 2016.

He also lifted two UEFA Nations League trophies, in 2019 and 2025, further cementing his place among Portugal’s greatest footballers.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner leaves behind an extraordinary legacy, holding men's international records with 234 appearances and 146 goals. He also became the first player to score in five different World Cups and remains the European Championship's all-time leading scorer with 14 goals, having appeared in a record six editions of the tournament.

His reported departure comes amid speculation surrounding tensions with head coach Jorge Jesus, although Ronaldo has not linked any disagreement to his decision.