Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football, bringing to an end one of the most decorated national-team careers in the sport’s history. The Portuguese forward made the announcement on Thursday at the age of 41
Ronaldo leaves international football with 234 appearances for Portugal and 146 goals, making him the country’s most-capped player and its leading scorer by a wide margin. His international career included Portugal’s victory at Euro 2016 and the inaugural UEFA Nations League title in 2019.
The decision follows a reported dispute with Portugal coach Jorge Jesus last month. Ronaldo was reportedly left out of a Nations League match and subsequently left the national-team camp, raising questions about his future with the squad.
His retirement marks the close of a two-decade international career that began when he made his Portugal debut as a teenager. Over that period, Ronaldo became one of football’s most recognisable figures, setting numerous records for goals, appearances, and longevity at the highest level.
While the announcement ends his Portugal career, it does not necessarily mean an immediate end to his club career. Ronaldo remains under contract with Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr, where he has continued to play regularly.
Portugal will now have to plan for its next major tournaments without the player who has defined its attack for much of the past 20 years. The national team’s transition is likely to place greater responsibility on younger forwards as it prepares for future World Cup and European Championship campaigns.