Cristiano Ronaldo announces retirement from international football

Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football, multiple news outlets reported on Thursday. BBC News, Al Jazeera, Euronews, the Irish Times, and France 24 reported that the 41-year-old player confirmed his decision in a social media video post. Al Jazeera and the Irish Times noted that Ronaldo will hand back the number seven shirt following the November international break. [1][2][5][6][7]

In his video message, Ronaldo stated that the day had come to hand back the shirt, which he called a privilege and responsibility to wear for 23 years, BBC News and Euronews reported. Al Jazeera added that Ronaldo described the decision as not easy, noting it was made with both the head and the heart. BBC News reported that Ronaldo walked out of the Portugal training camp in September after learning he would not start a Nations League fixture against Denmark. [1][2][5]

Ronaldo holds world records with 146 goals and 234 caps for Portugal since making his debut in 2003, according to BBC News. Al Jazeera reported that he captained the national team to their first major trophy at Euro 2016, as well as UEFA Nations League titles in 2019 and 2025. [1][2]

Ronaldo began his senior career at Sporting CP before playing for Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, and Al-Nassr, winning 34 major trophies in total. He captained Portugal from 2008. As FTMQ News reported earlier, Ronaldo won a public vote organized by France Football for the Ballon d'Or of All Time in October 2026. [12][13]