Cristiano Ronaldo announces retirement after 23 years

Cristiano Ronaldo has brought his international career with Portugal to an end after 23 years representing his country. The 41-year-old forward is stepping away from the national team, marking the end of a remarkable chapter in his career.

Cristiano Ronaldo retires from Portugal duty

Fabrizio Romano reported the development on Thursday, November 5, confirming Ronaldo’s decision to retire from international soccer.

Ronaldo made his senior debut for Portugal in 2003 and went on to become the country’s record appearance maker and leading goalscorer. He captained the nation to its first major international trophy at Euro 2016 before winning the UEFA Nations League in 2019 and 2025.

🚨🇵🇹 BREAKING: CRISTIANO RONALDO RETIRES FROM INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALL. pic.twitter.com/uLVdIp0dZa

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 5, 2026

His retirement brings an end to more than two decades of international service. However, this announcement concerns his Portugal career and does not mean he has retired from professional soccer. Ronaldo remains under contract with Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr.