Cristiano Ronaldo Announces His Retirement From Portugal National Team After Fight With Coach

Cristiano Ronaldo announced that he is retiring from the Portugal national team, ending one of the greatest soccer players’ international careers.

Ronaldo announced that it was time to “hand back the number 7 shirt,” ending his international career.

He won three international tournaments, captaining Portugal to their first major trophy at Euros 2016 and the 2019 and 2025 UEFA Nations League.

“It was not an easy decision, because there are decisions that are not made only with the head. They are also made with the heart,” Ronaldo said on social media.

“If I ever made you happy, if one of my ​goals ever made you hug someone, forget a worry or feel proud of our country, then it was all worth it.”

Ronaldo thanked his family, the Portuguese people and his teammates, coaches and staff that he worked with over his 23-year career with the national team.

“Portugal will always be a part of me,” he captioned the announcement video.

Ronaldo made 234 appearances for Portugal and scored 146 goals. He holds the men’s record for international appearances and goals.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner is the first player to score in six World Cup tournaments, starting in 2006.

His final international tournament appearance was at the 2026 World Cup, where he tried to win the one trophy that he has yet to capture. Portugal were eliminated 1-0 in the round of 16 to the eventual champions, Spain.

His retirement can be linked to a disagreement between Ronaldo and Portugal manager Jorge Jesus. Ronaldo left the Portuguese camp in September before their Nations League match against Denmark without permission and did not return. Ronaldo later stated that broken promises from Jesus were the reason for his departure.

Jesus denied there was any agreement between him and Ronaldo; he said that the door was always open for the 41-year-old to return.

Ronaldo apologized afterward and said he remained available for international selection. The Portuguese Football Federation suspended him for 30 days and fined him €255 ($287.16).

The Portuguese Football Federation released a statement after Ronaldo’s retirement announcement, thanking him for his service.

“More than an exceptional athlete, our captain was an inspiring leader, an example of dedication and the ultimate symbol of the soul of ​our National Team,” the statement said.

Jesus told ​Canal 11 on Thursday that ⁠he had spoken to Ronaldo about his international future earlier this year.

“This is all his decision. We already had the opportunity to talk about this before the first call-up,” said Jesus.

“I asked him to stay, to stay with me ​because I needed him to be by my side, but I have to accept his decision. He is ​a world reference, ⁠a reference for Portugal, a reference for the national team.”

Portugal teammate Bruno Fernandes described Ronaldo as an “inspiration.”

“It was a privilege to be able to share great moments with our national team alongside my childhood idol,” he said.

Ronaldo has now left the international stage as Portugal’s most successful player in individual and team achievements, becoming a cultural icon for the country and around the world.