Cristiano Ronaldo has made it final: the global football legend has ended his career with the Portugal national team
World football has received news that will go down in history. Cristiano Ronaldo has officially announced the end of his performances for the Portugal national team. After 23 years, hundreds of matches, historic records and major victories, one of the greatest footballers of our time has decided to pass the legendary number 7 shirt to the next generation.
The 41-year-old forward announced his decision on November 5, 2026, in an emotional address to Portuguese fans on social media.
23 years of history: the numbers speak for themselves
Ronaldo's career with the national team began in August 2003. Over this time, he transformed from a talented young footballer into a symbol of Portuguese football and one of the most prolific players in the history of international competition.
His statistics are impressive:
234 appearances for the Portugal national team.
146 goals scored — a world record among men in international football.
6 World Cups in which he took part.
Euro 2016 — Portugal's first European Championship victory.
UEFA Nations League — victories in 2019 and 2025.
Ronaldo's World Cup record deserves special attention: he became the first footballer to score at six different World Cups.
"It's time to pass the shirt on to the future"
In his farewell address, Ronaldo made it clear that the decision was not an easy one for him. For him, the national team shirt was not just a sports uniform, but a symbol of responsibility to his country and millions of fans.
The footballer emphasized that over 23 years he had been given the enormous honor of representing Portugal on the world's greatest football stages.
He also thanked his teammates, coaches, and fans who accompanied him throughout his international career.
"Portugal will always be a part of me" — such is the meaning of the athlete's farewell message.
What happened before the announcement of his departure?
Ronaldo's decision came amid a difficult period in his relationship with the national team's coaching staff.
In September 2026, the footballer found himself at the center of a conflict with Portugal's head coach, Jorge Jesus. The trigger was dissatisfaction with the situation regarding his playing time. After leaving the national team camp, Ronaldo subsequently apologized to fans and teammates.
In October, he was still stating his readiness to continue playing for the national team. However, a few weeks later, he announced the end of his international career.
Ending his national team career is not the end of football
It is important to understand: Ronaldo has not announced the end of his professional career.
The Portuguese star will continue to play at club level for Saudi side Al-Nassr. Thus, fans will still be able to watch his play, his goals, and his attempts to set new records.
According to FIFA, the end of his national team appearances marks the conclusion of one of the longest and most prolific international careers in football history.
A legacy that will remain in history
Ronaldo leaves behind more than just impressive statistics. He became part of an entire era of Portuguese football. It was with his generation that the national team achieved historic success at Euro 2016 and lifted a major international trophy for the first time.
Now the new generation of Portuguese footballers faces a difficult task — to continue the team's history without its long-time captain.
But the main question remains open: will anyone ever be able to match Cristiano Ronaldo's achievements?
