Portuguese football legend Cristiano Ronaldo announced on Thursday that he was retiring from international football. This is a breaking news story, more details to come.
Issued on: 05/11/2026 - 11:45Modified: 05/11/2026 - 11:58
A file image of Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo after having a goal disallowed during the Nations League soccer match between Portugal and Wales in Lisbon on September 24, 2026. © Armando Franca, APCristiano Ronaldo announced his intention to retire from the Portuguese national team on Thursday in a social media post.
The 41-year-old, who has played 234 times for Portugal and scored 146 goals, fell out with national coach Jorge Jesus last month after he refused to use him in a Nations League match. Ronaldo immediately left the team camp.
"To the Portuguese people, the day has come for me to hand back the number seven shirt of our national team," Ronaldo said in a video on his Instagram account.
"I never felt it belonged to me alone, but for 23 years I had the privilege and the responsibility of wearing it, defending it and carrying it with me into stadiums all around the world," he continued.
Ronaldo has made 234 appearances for Portugal and scored 146 goals.
He holds the all-time record for international appearances and for international goals.