Cristiano Ronaldo announces international retirement from Portugal

FILE - Cristiano Ronaldo won the Euro 2016 and the UEFA Nations League twice with Portugal. | Photo Credit: AP

Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football from Portugal on Thursday.

The legendary forward, 41, retires as the highest goalscorer in men’s international football, having netted 146 goals in 234 appearances for his country.

His crowning achievement with Portugal was winning the 2016 European Championships, and he also won the 2018/19 and 2024/25 UEFA Nations League titles.

It was an acrimonious exit for Portugal’s most successfull footballer with the national team, following his spat with head coach Jorge Jesus in the October international window.

After Jesus refused to bring Ronaldo on in Portugal’s Nations League match at Norway, leading to the five-time Ballon d’Or winner leaving the national team camp, accusing Jesus of breaking his word about giving him game time.

READ | Ronaldo retires: A look at all 146 goals for Portugal

Ronaldo was named in Portugal’s preliminary squad for next week’s Nations League matches, opening the door to an international return after his fallout with Jesus.

The Portuguese Football Federation had handed Ronaldo a 30-day suspension for walking out. The suspension was backdated, meaning he was free to return.

Ronaldo apologised to supporters earlier in October, adding he would accept any punishment that was imposed.

Published on Nov 05, 2026

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