END OF AN ERA: Cristiano Ronaldo retires from international football after historic 23-year Portugal career
Cristiano Ronaldo has officially announced his retirement from international football at the age of 41, bringing an extraordinary 23-year journey with Portugal to an end and closing one of the greatest chapters in the history of international football.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner leaves the international stage as the most prolific goalscorer and most-capped male footballer in international football history, having recorded an incredible 146 goals in 234 appearances for Portugal.
Ronaldo made his senior international debut on August 20, 2003, against Kazakhstan at the age of 18. What followed was a remarkable career spanning more than two decades, during which he became the face of Portuguese football and one of the most influential players the game has ever produced.
His greatest achievement with Portugal came at the 2016 UEFA European Championship in France, where he captained his country to its first major international trophy. Despite suffering an injury during the final against France, Ronaldo continued motivating his teammates from the sidelines as Portugal secured a historic 1-0 extra-time victory.
He added two more major international honours to his collection by winning the UEFA Nations League in 2019 and 2025, becoming a central figure in Portugal’s successful campaigns.
The 2025 Nations League triumph was particularly memorable, with Ronaldo scoring in the final against Spain before Portugal eventually prevailed in a penalty shootout.
Beyond his trophy collection, Ronaldo’s individual international records are extraordinary. He became the first male footballer to score at six different FIFA World Cup tournaments, finding the net in 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022 and 2026. He also finished with 11 World Cup goals, placing him among the competition’s greatest goalscorers.
His international achievements include 10 hat-tricks and becoming the first male footballer to reach 100 international goals. His remarkable longevity, consistency and ability to deliver on the biggest stages helped establish him as a global football icon.
Ronaldo’s international career also featured disciplinary setbacks. According to statistical records from Squawka, he received 32 yellow cards and one red card in his 234 appearances for Portugal.
His international record further includes 46 assists, reflecting his contribution not only as a goalscorer but also as a creator for his teammates.
Over the course of his Portugal career, Ronaldo established several historic milestones, including the men’s international records for appearances and goals, six European Championship appearances, six World Cup appearances and the distinction of scoring at six different editions of the men’s World Cup.
His retirement marks the end of an era for Portuguese football and millions of supporters worldwide who have followed his journey from a talented teenager from Madeira to one of the greatest footballers of all time.
Ronaldo leaves Portugal with three major international trophies, 234 appearances, 146 goals, 46 assists, 10 hat-tricks, 32 yellow cards and one red card.
Although his international journey has come to an end, his professional club career with Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr continues.
For Portugal, the challenge now is to build the next chapter without the player who carried its hopes, broke its records and helped deliver its greatest international football achievements.
The No. 7 shirt will eventually pass to another generation, but Ronaldo’s influence, achievements and legacy will remain part of Portuguese football history.
From Madeira to the summit of world football, Cristiano Ronaldo’s name will forever be written into the history of the beautiful game.