Cristiano Ronaldo Retires From Portugal National Team for Good

Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the greatest footballers in history, has announced his retirement from the Portugal national team.

The 41-year-old forward made the announcement on Thursday, November 5, in an emotional social media video.

“It was not an easy decision,” Ronaldo said in the video.

“Because some decisions are not made with the mind alone. They are also made with the heart.”

Ronaldo ends his international career with 146 goals in 234 appearances for Portugal.

He is the country’s all-time leading goalscorer.

His career with the national team began in August 2003.

It spanned 23 years and included six World Cup tournaments.

Ronaldo captained Portugal to their first-ever major title at the 2016 European Championship.

He also led the team to UEFA Nations League victories in 2019 and 2025.

“Today I finish my walk on the pitch with the national team,” he wrote in his farewell message.

Ronaldo emphasized that his greatest achievement was not the records or trophies, but the privilege of representing his country.

He also paid tribute to Portuguese emigrants who watched matches from abroad.

“Portugal will always be in me,” he said.

Ronaldo will continue playing for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League.

He signed a two-year contract extension with the club in 2025.

His current contract runs through June 2027.

Al-Nassr is currently third in the Saudi league standings.

Ronaldo scored a hat trick in his most recent match on October 29, a 5-3 home win over Al Kholood.

The Portuguese Football Federation confirmed his retirement and announced plans for a special tribute.

The FPF described Ronaldo as “an inspiring leader and an example of dedication.”

Ronaldo’s decision follows weeks of public disputes with Portugal’s coaching staff.

He left the national team’s camp in September after coach Jorge Jesus said Ronaldo would not start the next match.

Portugal had been eliminated from the 2026 World Cup in the round of 16 by eventual champions Spain.

The retirement announcement came just before the national team revealed its squad for the upcoming Nations League matches.

Jorge Jesus has since responded to Ronaldo’s farewell.

The coach’s comments come ahead of Portugal’s Nations League match.

Ronaldo’s sister also raised doubts about the retirement, suggesting “there is still something that needs an answer.”

For Portuguese communities around the world, Ronaldo’s departure marks the end of an era.

He has represented a powerful connection to their homeland for millions of Portuguese living abroad.

His international career transformed Portuguese football and inspired generations of supporters.

Ronaldo leaves the national team as its most decorated and celebrated player.

He will now focus entirely on his club career with Al-Nassr.

The Saudi Pro League season is scheduled to conclude in May 2027.

Al-Nassr is defending its league title after winning last season, Ronaldo’s first league championship with the club.

Ronaldo’s arrival at Al-Nassr in late 2022 was a landmark moment in Saudi Arabia’s push to attract international soccer stars.

That push is now being scaled back amid the financial toll of regional conflicts.

The Saudi Public Investment Fund pulled funding from the LIV Golf league in April.

LIV Golf announced plans for full liquidation in bankruptcy court on Thursday.

The conflict with Yemen’s Houthis has also disrupted Saudi soccer.

The Saudi Pro League said Tuesday that it had postponed matches scheduled for the week and would conduct a wider review of fixtures.

Ronaldo did not discuss his future with Al-Nassr in his farewell video.

ESPN and Arab News reported that he is expected to remain with the Riyadh-based club for the rest of the season.

Ronaldo’s international career began in August 2003 when he made his debut for Portugal.

He went on to become the most capped player in Portuguese history.

His 146 goals for his country are also a world record for international goals.

He scored his first international goal at Euro 2004.

He helped Portugal reach the final of that tournament, where they lost to Greece.

Ronaldo played in six World Cups: 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022 and 2026.

His best World Cup performance came in 2006, when Portugal finished fourth.

The 2016 European Championship victory remains the pinnacle of his international career.

Portugal beat France 1-0 in the final after Ronaldo was forced off with an injury in the first half.