Cristiano Ronaldo won’t play for Portugal anymore, ending on Thursday a career that spanned six World Cups and included a European title and the men’s all-time international scoring record.
His announcement marked the end of a lauded career that began more than two decades ago, before Euro 2004, and ended with him walking out on the national team after falling out with Coach Jorge Jesus.
Ronaldo will keep playing at club level, which he is expected to finish at the end of this season with Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia.
“Today, the time has come to pass it on to the future. It was not an easy decision because some decisions are not made with the mind alone. They are also made with the heart. A journey that began in August 2003 and changed my life forever has come to an end.”
He is chasing his 1,000th career goal and sits on 985. Of those, a record 146 goals came in 234 appearances with Portugal.
Portugal plans tribute
While long-time peer Lionel Messi finished his career with Argentina last month after a much anticipated farewell match, Ronaldo’s final appearance with Portugal has ended up being on Sept. 24 in a 1-0 home win over Wales in the Nations League.
The Portuguese soccer federation released a statement expressing “deep gratitude and immense admiration” for Ronaldo’s service to the country.
“Cristiano Ronaldo has raised Portugal’s profile and inspired generations of young people who dream of following in his footsteps; for many of us, he is the greatest player of all time!” the federation said.
It said it intends to organize a tribute to Ronaldo “in which the fans and the country can one more time applaud and celebrate a player who has given us so much.”
Ronaldo helps Portugal reach new level
Before Ronaldo debuted for Portugal by replacing Luis Figo in a 2003 friendly against Kazakhstan, Portugal had never won any major trophies.
Then he and successive generations of talented teammates made Portugal a regular presence at major tournaments.
Portugal won its first major title at Euro 2016, and the Nations League in 2019 and 2025.
“Throughout my entire career with the national team, I always pushed myself beyond my limits,” Ronaldo said.
A career of international records
Ronaldo was the first man to score in six World Cups. He reached an all-time 11 goals at this year’s World Cup, surpassing the previous Portugal record of nine from Eusebio.
Ronaldo’s farewell video was of him reading out his retirement announcement, interspersed with clips of him playing for the national team and footage of Portuguese fans.
“I spent my life working to become the best player in the world,” Ronaldo said at the end.
“Today I realise that my greatest victory was earning the honor of representing the best country in the world.
“Thank you for these 23 years. Thank you for believing in me. Thank you for allowing me to live a dream that began when I was just a little boy in Madeira, running after a football. The No. 7 shirt will remain. The pride of having worn it will be mine forever.”