In brief
Cristiano Ronaldo announced his retirement from the Portugal national team on 5 November 2026, after a 23‑year international career that saw him earn 234 caps and score 146 goals. He cited his final appearance at the 2026 World Cup and the historic milestone of scoring in six different editions of the tournament as reasons to step down and return the iconic number 7 shirt. Both the Saudi Press Agency and Reuters confirmed the announcement, emphasising the end of an era for one of football’s greatest players.
Cristiano Ronaldo confirmed his retirement from the Portugal national team on Thursday, 5 November 2026, at the age of 41, stating that his 23‑year international career was coming to an end following his final appearance in the 2026 World Cup that was staged across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The announcement was made by the striker, currently of Al‑Nassr FC, in a statement released by the Saudi Press Agency. In it, Ronaldo said, "Today, my journey with the Portugal national team comes to an end. The time has come for me to return the number 7 shirt to the national team and bring an end to a career that began in August 2003 and changed my life forever," according to SPA.
Today, my journey with the Portugal national team comes to an end. The time has come for me to return the number 7 shirt to the national team and bring an end to a career that began in August 2003 and changed my life forever.
Former international stats, as reported by the Saudi Press Agency, show that Ronaldo made 234 appearances for Portugal and scored 146 goals, a tally that places him among the most prolific scorers in national team history.
Ronaldo’s final home also made history, as he became the first player to score in six different world cup tournaments, having netted goals at the 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022, and 2026 editions of the competition.
Reuters, in an accompanying report, confirmed Ronaldo’s statement, noting that the forward would step down from the national team after the conclusion of the 2026 tournament. The outlet added that he would not be retiring from club football, where he continues to play for Al‑Nassr.
The retirement marks the end of an era for Portugal, with the player having led the national side to European Championship success in 2016 and multiple other international competitions during his tenure.
While speculation about his future roles in football management or punditry has already begun to circulate, Ronaldo himself has not detailed any post‑retirement plans, focusing instead on his club commitments and personal aspirations.
