After years of spending time and elevating the Portuguese national team, Cristiano Ronaldo is done with international soccer. Ronaldo was a part of the Portuguese team for almost 23 years and represented the squad in 6 FIFA World Cups (2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022, and 2026).
Amid his ongoing suspension and miscommunication with manager Jorge Jesus, Ronaldo has announced his retirement from Portugal. The legendary forward has now ended an international career that spanned six World Cups and included a European title as well as the men’s all-time scoring record. Ronaldo retired with 234 games for Portugal and 146 goals.
The announcement marked the end of one of the most celebrated careers in the industry. Ronaldo's journey with Portugal began two decades ago, before the 2004 Euro, and finished on a sour note during the 2026 UEFA Nations League. Ronaldo announced that he would be handing over his iconic number 7 shirt to the Portuguese team, a number he held for several years and was something that became a part of his “CR7” identity.
“To the Portuguese people, the day has come for me to hand back the number seven shirt of our national team,” Ronaldo said in a lengthy statement on Instagram. “I never felt it belonged to me alone, but for 23 years I had the privilege and responsibility of wearing it, defending it and carrying it with me into stadiums all around the world.
“Today the time has come to pass it on to the future. It was not an easy decision, because some decisions are not made with the mind alone – they are also made with the heart. A journey that began in August 2003 and changed my life forever has come to an end,” he said. (Quotes translated via BBC)
On Friday, Nov. 6, 2026, Portugal are set to announce their squad for this month's Nations League fixtures against Denmark at home and Wales away. The Portuguese Football Federation also clarified that they refuse to bid farewell to Ronaldo without a proper tribute, something which Lionel Messi had recently received.
Article Continues Below“It is our firm and immense desire to organize, plan, participate, and actively collaborate in what will always be a fitting tribute to Cristiano Ronaldo's immense career, in which fans and the country can applaud and celebrate, once again, the player who has given us so much. Thank you! Captain,” the Portugal Football Federation's official statement read. (Quotes translated via Google)