The Portuguese star confirmed the decision on Thursday, November 5, through a five-minute video shared on his social media platforms. His final international match was a 1-0 round-of-16 defeat to Spain in Dallas on July 6 during the 2026 World Cup. He departs with three senior international trophies, having captained the national side to the 2016 European Championship and two UEFA Nations League championships in 2019 and 2025. Over his extensive 23-year international career, he played in six distinct World Cup tournaments.
Key points
The veteran forward is the first player in men's football history to score across six dif…: The veteran forward is the first player in men's football history to score across six different World Cup tournaments.
Portugal won three major senior titles under his leadership, comprising Euro 2016 and two…: Portugal won three major senior titles under his leadership, comprising Euro 2016 and two Nations League crowns.
His 23-year tenure with the Portuguese national team concluded following a round-of-16 lo…: His 23-year tenure with the Portuguese national team concluded following a round-of-16 loss to Spain in Dallas.
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Cristiano Ronaldo's international career has come to an end after 23 years, six World Cups and three major trophies with Portugal. The 41-year-old leaves the national team as the most-capped player and highest scorer in men's international football history, with 234 appearances and 146 goals. His departure closes a chapter that transformed Portugal's record books and established him among the most decorated players in the history of the international game.
Cristiano Ronaldo announces Portugal retirement in emotional video
Ronaldo announced his retirement from international football on Thursday, November 5, through a five-minute video shared on his official social media accounts, including X. The caption read “Portugal estará sempre em mim”, translated as “Portugal will always be in me”, a message he repeated at the end of the video.
Reading from printed pages, Ronaldo addressed the Portuguese public directly, describing the decision as difficult and bringing to a close a journey that began in August 2003.
“To the Portuguese people, the day has come for me to hand back the number 7 shirt of our National Team.”
A jury at London’s Southwark Crown Court returned the convictions against the 51-year-old former broadcaster following a criminal trial where prosecutors characterized him as a ruthless predator. The entertainer maintained his innocence throughout proceedings, arguing that all sexual encounters were consensual or entirely fabricated. He now remains in custody awaiting formal sentencing scheduled for early next week.
The verdict follows a three-week trial at Southwark Crown Court involving allegations from six female complainants spanning a decade. The proceedings highlighted a severe contrast between the celebrity's past media persona and the graphic, harrowing accounts detailed by his victims. The convictions on multiple sexual offenses mark a definitive legal reckoning after years of scrutiny regarding his conduct between 1999 and 2009.
The British judicial system has concluded proceedings against the public figure, resulting in convictions across multiple serious charges. The legal outcome marks a major development regarding allegations that have surrounded the prominent entertainer. Full determinations regarding the legal repercussions and punishment remain pending as the court concludes its findings.