Football: Portuguese legend Cristiano Ronaldo announces his retirement from international football.
The Portuguese Cristiano Ronaldo, aged 41, announced his international retirement on his Instagram account on November 5, 2026, several weeks after a tumultuous episode in which he left the national team camp following a disagreement with his coach.
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At 41, Cristiano Ronaldo ends his journey with the Seleção after more than twenty years representing Portugal. His decision comes amid tensions with the team, which surfaced during the recent Nations League match window. As the top scorer in Portugal's history, he ultimately decided to turn the page. “Today, my journey with the national team comes to an end,” he stated in a video.
“This was not an easy decision,” the 41-year-old forward said in a message on Instagram addressed to “the Portuguese.” He announced that it was time to pass on the jersey with which he triumphed at Euro 2016 “for the future.”
234 appearances and 146 goals with Portugal
The former Real Madrid player, who became the top scorer in Portugal's history, has ultimately decided to turn the page. Cristiano Ronaldo has left an indelible mark on the Seleção by winning Euro 2016 and the Nations League in 2019. Over the course of 234 matches, Cristiano Ronaldo scored 146 goals.
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