Cristiano Ronaldo retires from international football after 23-year career with Portugal
The forward departs as the all-time leader in men's international appearances and goals.
Cristiano Ronaldo announced his retirement from international football on Thursday, ending a 23-year career with Portugal. According to Sportstar, the 41-year-old shared an emotional farewell message on his social media accounts.
Ronaldo leaves the international game as the all-time leader in men's appearances with 234 matches and goals with 146. He was a central figure in several major milestones for the nation, including winning the Euro 2016 tournament.
During the Euro 2016 final against France, Ronaldo was forced off after 25 minutes due to a knee injury. He watched from the touchline as Eder scored an extra-time goal to secure a 1-0 win and Portugal's first major international trophy, according to Sportstar and Hindustan Times.
His career included significant individual achievements, such as scoring all four goals in a two-legged playoff against Sweden to secure qualification for the 2014 FIFA World Cup. In a 2021 World Cup qualifier against the Republic of Ireland, he scored two headers to break Ali Daei's record for most men's international goals.
Ronaldo also captained Portugal to a Nations League title in 2019 and a second title in 2025. In the 2025 final, he scored a 61st-minute equaliser against Spain before Portugal won 5-3 on penalties, according to Sportstar.
