Cristiano Ronaldo retires from Portugal duty after 23 years

Cristiano Ronaldo announced his retirement from international football on 5 November 2026, ending a Portugal career that began in 2003 and brought a record 146 goals in 234 appearances, according to BBC Sport and The National. Ronaldo said he would “hand back the No. 7 shirt” he had worn for 23 years. The BBC reported the announcement; Ronaldo described the decision as difficult.

Portugal plans a tribute to Ronaldo

The Portuguese Football Federation said it intends to organise a tribute where fans and the country can celebrate his contribution. The federation’s statement, reported by CBS News and The National, said it would work to make the farewell fitting. Portugal’s squad for its coming Nations League matches was due to be announced on 6 November, The National reported; the federation had not yet specified when or how the tribute would take place in the cited statement.

A record-setting Portugal career ends after a dispute

The retirement followed a dispute with coach Jorge Jesus over playing time. CBS News reported that Jesus left Ronaldo on the bench for one match and said he did not plan to start him in the next; Ronaldo then left the training camp. The National reported that Ronaldo accused Jesus of breaking his word. BBC Sport reported that Ronaldo had served a 30-day sanction and received a €255 fine. These reports describe the circumstances around his departure; they do not establish a single definitive explanation for his retirement.

Ronaldo’s departure leaves Portugal without its most prolific international scorer as it prepares for its next Nations League fixtures. He is expected to continue playing for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, CBS News reported. The National said he had scored 985 career goals and was pursuing 1,000; those goals can now come only at club level.