Cristiano Ronaldo retires from Portugal with record 146 goals

Cristiano Ronaldo has officially announced his retirement from international football at the age of 41, bringing an end to a legendary 23-year career with the Portugal national team. The announcement, made via an emotional social media video on Thursday, November 5, 2026, marks the departure of the all-time leading goalscorer in men’s international football. Ronaldo leaves the international stage after earning 234 caps and scoring a record 146 goals for his country since making his debut as a teenager in August 2003.

During his more than two decades of service, Ronaldo led Portugal to its most significant successes, most notably the UEFA Euro 2016 title. He also secured two Nations League titles and participated in six World Cups, where he made history by scoring in every edition from 2006 to 2026. In his farewell message, Ronaldo expressed profound gratitude to his teammates and supporters, stating it was an immense honor to wear the iconic No. 7 shirt for 23 years. He emphasized the emotional weight of the decision, telling fans that the day had finally come to hand back the jersey to the next generation.

The retirement follows a period of reported friction within the national team setup, including a fallout with coach Jorge Jesus. Recent months had seen controversy surrounding his role in the squad and a brief suspension from the national team. Despite these late-career challenges, Ronaldo’s final appearance for Portugal concluded with a 1-0 victory against Wales. Reflecting on his journey, the striker emphasized the deep connection he maintains with the Portuguese people, stating that the nation would always remain in his heart.

Tributes from football figures and clubs worldwide have poured in following the announcement, celebrating a career that has redefined modern football records. Portugal’s Football Federation has confirmed plans to organize a formal tribute to honor the striker’s unparalleled contributions and his status as the country's most-capped player. While he steps away from the international arena, Ronaldo remains under contract at the club level, having appeared in a record six European Championships during his time with the national side.