New Delhi, November 5, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football, bringing the curtain down on a 23-year career with Portugal during which he became the highest goalscorer and most-capped player in men’s international football.
The 41-year-old forward announced his decision through an emotional video on social media, reflecting on his journey since making his senior debut for Portugal in August 2003. He finished his international career with 146 goals in 234 appearances.
In his farewell message, Ronaldo described representing Portugal as the greatest privilege of his career and said it was time to pass on the iconic number seven jersey to the next generation.
“To the Portuguese, the day has come to return the number 7 jersey of the national team to all of us. I never felt like it was exclusively mine, but for 23 years I had the privilege and responsibility to wear it, to defend it and to take it with me to the stadiums all over the world. Today the time has come to give it to the future,” he said in the video posted on X.
Reflecting on his international journey, Ronaldo recalled the victories, defeats and difficult moments, while emphasising that his pride in representing Portugal never diminished.
“There were perfect afternoons and nights; there were victories that I will never forget, and there were defeats that I still have a hard time remembering today. I also failed, I also suffered, there were also times when I was not able to give the Portuguese what they wanted so much. But I never gave up. And above all, I never stopped feeling proud to represent Portugal,” he said.
Ronaldo also thanked his teammates, coaches, medical and support staff, and family for standing by him throughout his career, acknowledging the sacrifices they made along the way.
“Today I finish my walk on the pitch with the national team; I leave with my head held high, with pride in the path I took, and with the awareness that I gave everything I had for Portugal. But I will never stop being one of you,” he said.
Concluding his farewell message, Ronaldo described representing Portugal as his greatest achievement.
“Today I realize that the greatest victory was to have deserved to represent the best country in the world. Thank you for these 23 years. Thank you for believing in me,” he said.
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