Cristiano Ronaldo's Next Move After Shocking Portugal Exit

Cristiano Ronaldo has retired from Portugal’s national team.

The 41-year-old announced his decision on Thursday, November 5, in an emotional social media video.

He read a letter in Portuguese, saying the time had come to hand back the No. 7 jersey.

“It was not an easy decision,” he said.

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

Ronaldo retires as Portugal’s all-time leading scorer with 146 goals in 234 appearances.

His international career spanned 23 years, beginning in August 2003.

He led Portugal to its first-ever European Championship title in 2016.

He also won the UEFA Nations League in 2019 and again in 2025.

Ronaldo played in six World Cups, with Portugal eliminated in the round of 16 this summer by eventual champions Spain.

The announcement came just before Portugal revealed its squad for the upcoming Nations League matches.

Ronaldo chose to break the news himself on social media rather than through the federation.

The Portuguese Football Federation confirmed the retirement and said it would organize a special tribute.

“He was an inspiring leader and an example of dedication,” the federation said in a statement.

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 told him he would not start the next match.

Jesus has since responded to the retirement ahead of the Nations League fixture.

Ronaldo did not discuss his club future in the farewell video.

But he is expected to continue playing for Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League.

Ronaldo joined Al Nassr in late 2022, becoming the biggest name in Saudi Arabia’s push to attract international soccer stars.

He signed a two-year contract extension in 2025 that runs through June 2027.

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

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.

The team currently sits third in the standings.

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

But the broader context for Saudi soccer is shifting.

The kingdom has been scaling back parts of its sports spending amid the financial toll of regional wars.

Saudi Arabia’s sports push was part of the Vision 2030 economic diversification initiative.

Ronaldo’s arrival in 2022 was a centerpiece of that strategy.

Now the Saudi Public Investment Fund has pulled funding from the LIV Golf league.

LIV Golf announced plans for a full liquidation in bankruptcy court on Thursday, the same day Ronaldo announced his retirement.

The conflict with Yemen’s Houthis is also disrupting Saudi soccer.

The Saudi Pro League said Tuesday that it had postponed matches scheduled for the week.

The league said it would conduct a “wider review” of fixtures.

Ronaldo’s retirement from Portugal closes one of the greatest international careers in soccer history.

He captained his nation to its first major title in 2016.

He paid tribute to Portuguese emigrants in his farewell message, recalling those who watched Portugal’s matches from abroad.