Ronaldo retires from Portugal after 23 years

Ronaldo ends international career

Cristiano Ronaldo announced Thursday he will no longer play for Portugal, ending a career spanning six World Cups and including a European title.

A 23-year journey begins

Ronaldo's international career began in August 2003 before Euro 2004 and lasted more than two decades, during which he became Portugal's greatest player.

The final straw with Jesus

Coach Jorge Jesus benched Ronaldo in a match after his final appearance on September 24 against Wales, saying he would not start him next. Ronaldo left the training camp.

Handing back the number seven

In a video message, Ronaldo said: "To the Portuguese people, the day has come for me to hand back the No. 7 shirt of our national team."

“To the Portuguese people, the day has come for me to hand back the No. 7 shirt of our national team.”

A decision of heart and mind

Ronaldo explained the retirement was difficult because some decisions are made with the heart as well as the mind, marking the end of a journey that changed his life.

“It was not an easy decision because some decisions are not made with the mind alone. They are also made with the heart.”

Record-breaking international scorer

Ronaldo scored 146 goals in 234 appearances for Portugal, the men's all-time international scoring record. He is pursuing his one thousandth career goal overall, currently at 985.

Six World Cups, one record

Ronaldo was the first man to score in six World Cups. At this year's tournament he reached eleven all-time goals, surpassing Eusébio's previous Portugal record of nine.

Euro dominance across decades

Ronaldo has the most Euro appearances with thirty and the most Euro goals with fourteen. His first international goal came at Euro two thousand four, when host Portugal was runner-up to Greece.

Portugal's transformation

Before Ronaldo debuted in two thousand three, Portugal had never won a major trophy.Under his watch, Portugal won Euro two thousand sixteen and the Nations League in two thousand nineteen and two thousand twenty five.

World Cup qualification streak

Portugal qualified for the World Cup only three times before Ronaldo: nineteen sixty six, nineteen eighty six and two thousand two. On his watch, Portugal qualified every single time.

Euro tournament consistency

Portugal played the Euros only three times before Ronaldo arrived in nineteen eighty four, nineteen ninety six and two thousand. After he arrived, Portugal played in the tournament every time.

A legacy of pride and persistence

Ronaldo said he always pushed himself beyond his limits and demanded the most of himself. He scored for Portugal in twenty three consecutive calendar years, from two thousand four to two thousand twenty six.

“Throughout my entire career with the national team, I always pushed myself beyond my limits.”

Portugal's tribute planned

The Portuguese soccer federation expressed deep gratitude and immense admiration for Ronaldo's service. It intends to organize a tribute where fans and the country can applaud and celebrate him.

Club career continues

Ronaldo will continue playing at club level, expected to finish this season with Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia as he pursues his one thousandth career goal.

A dream from Madeira fulfilled

Ronaldo reflected that his greatest victory was earning the honor of representing Portugal. He thanked the country for allowing him to live a dream that began as a boy in Madeira running after a football.

“Thank you for allowing me to live a dream that began when I was just a little boy in Madeira, running after a football.”