Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football, bringing the curtain down on a remarkable 23-year career with Portugal that saw him become the most prolific goalscorer in men's international football history.
The 41-year-old, who continues to play his club football for Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr, confirmed the decision in an emotional video shared on social media on Thursday (November 5).
Ronaldo leaves the international stage having scored an extraordinary 146 goals in 234 appearances for Portugal, both world records in the men's game, while captaining his country to European Championship glory in 2016 and UEFA Nations League titles in 2019 and 2025.
In his farewell message, Ronaldo said: "To the Portuguese people, the day has come for me to hand back the No7 shirt of our national team."
He added: "It was not an easy decision, because some decisions are not made with the mind alone – they are also made with the heart."
The announcement brings an end to an international journey that began in August 2003, when Ronaldo made his Portugal debut as an 18-year-old.
Over the following two decades, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner became the defining figure of Portuguese football, representing his country at six World Cups and becoming the first male player to score at six editions of the tournament.
His final World Cup appearance came earlier this year in North America, where Portugal were eliminated by eventual champions Spain in the last 16. The World Cup ultimately remained the one major international trophy missing from his collection.
His departure also follows a difficult period with the national team, including a public disagreement with Portugal coach Jorge Jesus that saw Ronaldo leave the squad during September's international fixtures.
The Saudi chapter isn't over yet
While Ronaldo's Portugal career has reached its conclusion, fans in Saudi Arabia will still have the opportunity to watch one of football's most iconic names in action.
Since joining Al Nassr in January 2023, Ronaldo has become the most recognisable face of Saudi Arabia's football revolution, helping bring unprecedented international attention to the Saudi Pro League and the Kingdom's wider sporting ambitions.
And despite stepping away from international duty, Ronaldo still has one particularly significant personal milestone in his sights: 1,000 career goals.
The Portuguese forward has scored 985 competitive goals across his club and international career, leaving him just 15 short of the landmark figure.
His decision to retire from international football could allow him to concentrate on the final chapter of his club career, with his Al Nassr contract running until June 2027.
Ronaldo had already hinted earlier this year that the current season could be his last as a professional footballer, although he has yet to confirm a definitive retirement date.
For Portugal, the task now is to build a future without the player who has defined its national team for more than two decades.
For Saudi Arabia, however, the Ronaldo story isn't finished just yet.
And with 1,000 goals now tantalisingly close, there could still be one more historic sporting moment to witness in the Kingdom before he finally hangs up his boots.
