Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an extraordinary 23-year career with Portugal to an end. The 41-year-old leaves behind 146 goals, 234 appearances and several records that have made him one of the greatest players in international football history.
Ronaldo announced his decision on Thursday, November 5, 2026, through a video shared on Instagram.
He described the decision as difficult and emotional, saying it was time to hand over Portugal’s famous number seven shirt to the next generation.
His retirement marks the end of a journey that began in August 2003, when he made his senior international debut.
Since then, Ronaldo has become Portugal’s most successful goalscorer and most-capped player. He also holds the world records for international appearances and goals in men’s football.
1. Ronaldo’s 146 goals and 234 appearances for Portugal
Ronaldo finishes his international career with 146 goals in 234 appearances for Portugal.
Both figures are world records in men’s international football.
He surpassed Iran’s Ali Daei, who previously held the record with 109 international goals. Ronaldo reached that milestone in September 2021 after scoring twice against the Republic of Ireland.
He also became the first male footballer to reach 200 international appearances when he featured against Iceland in June 2023.
According to UEFA, Ronaldo’s goals came across major tournaments, qualifying matches and international friendlies.
His record includes 14 European Championship goals, 11 World Cup goals and 15 Nations League goals.
He also scored 41 goals in European Championship qualifiers and another 41 in World Cup qualifying matches.
2. Euro 2016: The trophy that defined his Portugal career
One of the biggest achievements of Ronaldo’s international career was winning the 2016 European Championship with Portugal.
The country had never won a major senior international trophy before the tournament in France.
Portugal defeated host nation France 1-0 in the final after extra time. Eder scored the winning goal in the 109th minute.
Ronaldo captained Portugal during the final but was forced off in the first half after suffering a knee injury.
He watched the remainder of the match from the touchline as his teammates secured the historic victory.
The triumph gave Portugal its first European Championship title and established Ronaldo as a central figure in the country’s greatest football achievement.
3. Two Nations League titles
Ronaldo also helped Portugal win the UEFA Nations League twice.
The first triumph came in 2019 when Portugal hosted the inaugural Nations League finals.
He scored a hat-trick against Switzerland in the semi-final, helping his country secure a 3-1 victory.
Portugal subsequently defeated the Netherlands 1-0 in the final, with Gonçalo Guedes scoring the decisive goal.
The second title came in 2025.
Portugal defeated Spain in the final after a 2-2 draw, winning 5-3 on penalties.
Ronaldo scored during the final, adding another major international trophy to his collection.
The two victories made him part of the Portugal teams that won three major international titles during his career.
4. Ronaldo’s European Championship records
Ronaldo also leaves behind an impressive record in the European Championship.
He is the competition’s all-time leading goalscorer with 14 goals.
He has also made 30 appearances at the tournament, more than any other player.
His European Championship journey began in 2004 when Portugal hosted the competition.
He subsequently featured in the 2008, 2012, 2016, 2020 and 2024 editions.
His longevity allowed him to compete at six consecutive European Championship tournaments, an achievement that underlined his consistency at the highest level.
5. Ronaldo became the first player to score at six World Cups
Another historic achievement came at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Ronaldo became the first footballer to score at six different World Cup tournaments.
His goals across the competitions took his World Cup tally to 11.
He had previously scored at the 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018 and 2022 editions before extending the record in 2026.
The achievement further strengthened his place among the most decorated players in international football.
A remarkable chapter in Portugal’s football history
Ronaldo’s international career was not defined by goals and trophies alone.
He became the face of Portuguese football for more than two decades, captaining the national team through several generations of players.
His announcement also comes as Argentina’s Lionel Messi has retired from international football, bringing another chapter of their long-standing rivalry to a close.
For Portugal, replacing Ronaldo’s goals, leadership and influence will be a major challenge.
However, his records, including 146 international goals and 234 appearances, provide a lasting measure of his contribution to the national team.
After 23 years, Portugal will have to look towards a future without its most recognisable footballer.