# Ronaldo retires from international soccer at 41

> After 234 games for Portugal over 23 years, Cristiano Ronaldo steps down from international play, citing his science-backed approach to health and fitness as key to his longevity.
- Title: Ronaldo retires from international soccer at 41 | Shortify
- Summary: After 234 games for Portugal over 23 years, Cristiano Ronaldo steps down from international play, citing his science-backed approach to health and fitness as…
- Keywords: cristiano ronaldo, portugal national team, international soccer retirement, athlete longevity, fitness and health, Business Insider
- Source: Business Insider — https://businessinsider.com/cristiano-ronaldo-retiring-longevity-secrets-health-fitness-tips-2026-11
- Author: Kashmira Gander
- Published: 2026-11-05T15:22:00.236+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: cristiano ronaldo, portugal national team, international soccer retirement, athlete longevity, fitness and health, business, technology
## Ronaldo ends Portugal career at 41
Cristiano Ronaldo announced his retirement from international soccer after playing two hundred thirty-four games for Portugal over twenty-three years, saying it was time to hand back his number seven shirt.

> A journey that began in August two thousand three and changed my life forever has come to an end.
## All-time goal-scoring record
At nine hundred eighty-five goals, Ronaldo is the top soccer goal scorer of all time, ahead of Lionel Messi at nine hundred thirty-seven and Pelé at seven hundred sixty-two.
## Ballon d'Or dominance
Ronaldo has eighteen nominations for the prestigious Ballon d'Or, the most of any player, and has won the award five times, underscoring his enduring consistency on the global football stage.
## Hard work over talent alone
Ronaldo credits dedication to health and fitness as key to success. In two thousand sixteen he said, if you have talent but do not work hard, you will not win anything.

> If you have talent but don't work hard, you won't win anything.
## Straightforward approach to health
Despite his reputation for being health-obsessed, Ronaldo's approach is relatively straightforward: lean meat and fish, plenty of vegetables, no alcohol, no excess sugar, regular cardio and strength training.
## Flexibility and freedom matter
Ronaldo told Spanish sports commentator Edu Aguirre he does not diet strictly. He said a free and calm attitude toward health is key, and it is okay to eat less nutritious food once a week.

> For me, it's the key to everything.
## Sleep as the most important tool
In an interview with Ballon d'Or in two thousand twenty-five, Ronaldo described sleep as his most important tool, going to bed between eleven pm and midnight and waking at eight thirty am.
## Key takeaway

Cristiano Ronaldo retired from international soccer at age forty-one after two hundred thirty-four games for Portugal, crediting consistent dedication to sleep, diet, training and recovery for his longevity as a player.