CRISTIANO RONALDO RETIRES FROM INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALL WITH PORTUGAL

Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football, ending a 23-year career with Portugal's national team. He confirmed the decision in a video released on Thursday, 5 November, saying he will step away after Portugal's November fixtures. Ronaldo described the decision as difficult, saying the time had come to pass the national team's number seven shirt to a new generation of players. He made his senior debut for Portugal in 2003 and leaves as the country's all-time leading goalscorer. Accounts of what prompted the decision differ: some reports describe it as a personal choice, while others cite tension with Portugal's coaching staff.

Ronaldo scored 146 goals in 234 appearances for Portugal, both national team records. His most significant honour came at Euro 2016, when he captained Portugal to their first major international trophy. He was forced off with injury during the final against France but stayed on the touchline to encourage his teammates as Portugal won 1-0. He also helped Portugal win the UEFA Nations League in 2019 and again in 2025. Ronaldo became the first player to score at five different World Cups, going on to play at six editions of the tournament.

Ronaldo's departure ends one of the longest careers in international football and leaves Portugal needing to replace a player who defined the team for more than two decades. His retirement applies only to international football, and he is expected to continue playing at club level. The announcement was delivered in a five-minute video posted on Thursday. Portugal are due to play their scheduled November fixtures with Ronaldo still involved before his exit takes effect. No further detail on the reported disagreement has been confirmed.