Cristiano Ronaldo Retires from International Football

Kenya, November 05, 2026 - Portugal legend Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from the national team, ending a 23-year career that made him one of the greatest players in the history of the sport.

The 41-year-old revealed the decision in an emotional video message posted on social media on Thursday. “To the Portuguese, the day has come to hand back the number 7 shirt of our national team,” Ronaldo said. “I never felt it was exclusively mine, but for 23 years I had the privilege and the responsibility of wearing it, defending it and carrying it with me to stadiums all around the world.

Today the time has come to pass it on to the future.”He added that the decision was not easy and was made with both the head and the heart. Ronaldo began his international career in August 2003 and leaves as the all-time leading scorer and most-capped player in men’s international football, with 146 goals in 234 appearances.Ronaldo said he would formally hand back the famous No. 7 shirt after the November international break.