Portuguese football legend Cristiano Ronaldo announced his retirement from international football on November 5, 2026, concluding a storied 23-year career that has left an indelible mark on the sport.

The 41-year-old forward departs as one of the game's most decorated players, holding the all-time world records for both international appearances and international goals.

Ronaldo played 234 times for Portugal, scoring an astonishing 146 goals. His illustrious international tenure spanned six World Cups and six European Championships, cementing his status as a global football icon. His final appearance for the national team was on September 24 in a 1-0 victory against Wales, where he was substituted in the 67th minute.

His retirement follows a significant falling out with the national team's management after he was notably kept on the bench for a subsequent match. This led to a suspension for 30 days and a fine, ultimately prompting his departure from national duty.

Ronaldo made his senior debut for Portugal at the age of 18, coming on as a halftime substitute for Luis Figo in a friendly against Kazakhstan. He initially wore the number 17 jersey, as the iconic number 7 was then worn by Figo. It was only after Figo's retirement in 2006 that Ronaldo fully adopted the number 7, making it synonymous with his personal brand, CR7.

Throughout his extensive international career, Ronaldo amassed an array of records. Beyond his global benchmarks for goals and appearances, he has scored for Portugal in 23 consecutive calendar years (2004-2026). He is also Portugal's leading scorer at the World Cup, with 11 goals in 27 tournament matches.

His contributions extended beyond individual statistics, significantly elevating Portugal's standing on the international stage. He captained the national team to its first major title at Euro 2016 and was instrumental in their triumph in the inaugural Nations League. These achievements helped make Portugal a consistent contender in major international tournaments.

Ronaldo's club career continues, with his next match for Al-Nassr scheduled in the Saudi Pro League on November 20 against Al-Qadsiah. While his international chapter has closed, his legacy as one of football's all-time greats remains undisputed.