Kathmandu: Cristiano Ronaldo has retired from international football. The 41 year old announced his decision in an Instagram video, telling the Portuguese people that “the day has come” to hand back the number seven shirt.
Ronaldo holds two world records for his country: 146 goals and 234 caps. He made his debut in August 2003.
“It was not an easy decision, because some decisions are not made with the mind alone,” he said. “A journey that began in August 2003 and changed my life forever has come to an end.”
He said he made mistakes during his career and suffered through defeats. His greatest victory, he added, was earning the honour of representing Portugal.
Row with coach
The announcement comes after a difficult few months. Ronaldo started all of Portugal’s games at the World Cup this summer where they lost to eventual champions Spain in the last 16. Some in the media questioned whether he could still perform at the top level.
Soon after, he fell out with new coach Jorge Jesus who named him as a substitute for the match against Norway. Ronaldo was reportedly angry that he warmed up in the second half but did not play. It was the first time since 2008 that he had been an unused substitute in a competitive Portugal game.
In September, Jesus told him he would not start against Denmark. Ronaldo left the team camp, then said in a long statement that he was not retiring and that Jesus had twice “broke his word”.
The Portuguese Football Federation (PFF) fined him £215 and banned him for 30 days. The ban did not cover any Portugal games. Jesus said the door was still open for him to return.
Ronaldo did not mention the dispute in his farewell video.
Trophies
Ronaldo played in six European Championships. Portugal finished second in 2004 and won the title in 2016.
He has been captain since 2008 and won the Nations League in 2019 and 2025. Portugal never went beyond the World Cup semi finals while he played.
His great rival Lionel Messi retired from international football in October, in front of 85,000 fans in Buenos Aires.
What happens next
Portugal will name their squad on Friday for this month’s Nations League games against Denmark at home and Wales away. It will be the first squad without Ronaldo in more than two decades.
The PFF said it will not let the farewell pass “without due tribute”. In a statement, it said it wants to organise an occasion where fans and the country can celebrate him once more.
With inputs from agencies.
