Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football at 41, ending a remarkable 23-year journey with Portugal. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner leaves with 146 goals in 234 appearances, holding both men's international records. His decision follows a dispute with national team manager Jorge Jesus over playing time and a subsequent suspension. Ronaldo helped Portugal win Euro 2016 and the UEFA Nations League in 2019 and 2025. He will continue playing club football for Al Nassr.
Cristiano Ronaldo Retires From International Football After 23 Years With Portugal Amid Jorge Jesus Fallout
Cristiano Ronaldo, the captain of Portugal, has retired from football at the age of 41. This marks the end of a career in which he scored 146 goals in 234 appearances for his country. He won major trophies during his time with the national team.
Ronaldo announced his retirement after 23 years with Portugal. The decision comes amid tensions with national team manager Jorge Jesus over playing time. The 41-year-old forward made the announcement in an Instagram video on Thursday.
He said he is retiring the number seven shirt of Portugal. Ronaldo has now ended his career with 146 goals in 234 caps. He remains the scorer and the most capped player in the history of men’s international football.
He called the decision emotional. He said the national team shirt was not for him but for the people of Portugal. In his farewell message, Ronaldo said it was an honour to represent Portugal in stadiums around the world. He thanked fans. Acknowledged the responsibility that comes with wearing the national colours.
Jorge Jesus Fallout and Portugal Retirement Timeline
The announcement came a day before Jorge Jesus was set to reveal Portugal’s squad for the Nations League matches against Denmark and Wales. His retirement follows a 30-day suspension handed to him by the Portuguese Football Federation after he walked out during the international window, citing disagreements over his role.
The conflict reportedly centred around playing time under Jesus, who had coached Ronaldo at Al Nassr. Ronaldo later apologised to his teammates. Not to his manager. "They promised me things that they haven’t done, " Ronaldo said. There has been no response from Jorge Jesus regarding the disagreement in any available statement.
Ronaldo’s last appearance for Portugal was on September 24 when the team beat Wales 1-0 in the Nations League in Lisbon. He then remained a substitute for the first time in 18 years when Portugal defeated Norway 2-1 on October 4.
Ronaldo had previously said he wanted to keep playing for his country. So aside from the dispute, the retirement announcement on Thursday marked a change in his international future.
Cristiano Ronaldo International Career and Major Achievements
Ronaldo began his journey in August 2003. From that point on, he grew into Portugal’s important footballer and one of the most decorated players in the history of the game. He led Portugal to a groundbreaking victory in Euro 2016. That was followed by triumphs in the UEFA Nations League in 2019 and again in 2025.
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner played in his World Cup this summer for Portugal. Still, he has not won football’s biggest international prize. In his message, Ronaldo said his memories were about more than goals, records, and trophies. He spoke about fans, teammates, and the deep emotions tied to football.
He said, "I want to thank my teammates and coaches for helping me along the way." He also urged the Portuguese players to dream big and to be role models for the next generation.
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Al Nassr Future and 1,000-Goal Milestone
Ronaldo is expected to stay at Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia at the club level. This season could be the final chapter of his professional playing career. He is still on track to reach 1,000 career goals, with the latest figures showing he has scored 985 so far. This total includes a record-breaking 146 goals for Portugal.
Portuguese Football Federation Plans Tribute
On Thursday, the Portuguese Football Federation released a statement. It thanked Cristiano Ronaldo. Praised him as an inspirational leader. The federation called him a defining symbol of its team. They highlighted his 234 caps and 146 goals. They said his achievements had put Portugal on the football map. They also said he inspired generations of players around the world.
The federation also said it wants to organise a tribute. This tribute would involve supporters and the country. It would give fans a chance to celebrate Ronaldo’s contribution to Portuguese football. Former clubs of Ronaldo, Manchester United, Sporting CP and Juventus—all paid tribute. They celebrated his achievements. They also honoured his contribution to international football throughout his distinguished career.
Ronaldo’s announcement comes after another international departure. It has been a month since Lionel Messi played his final game for Argentina. His retirement marks the end of a chapter in football. Now everyone is watching the federation’s plans for the tribute. People are also watching Ronaldo as he pursues the 1,000-goal mark.
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