Cristiano Ronaldo announces retirement from the Portuguese national team

Forward Cristiano Ronaldo announced his retirement from the Portuguese national football team on November 5, 2026. In a video posted on his Instagram profile, the 41-year-old player stated that "the day has come to return the number 7 shirt" and described the decision as a moment involving both reason and heart. The athlete's journey with the national team began in August 2003. Following the announcement, the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) released an official statement thanking the captain, describing him as an "inspirational leader" and the "ultimate symbol of the soul" of the national team. The organization expressed its desire to host a farewell ceremony so that fans can celebrate the career of the player, who holds the world records of 234 matches played and 146 goals scored for a national team. Among his main achievements with Portugal are the 2016 European Championship and the Nations League, won in 2019 and 2025. The announcement comes during a period of strain in the relationship between the player and coach Jorge Jesus. In September, Ronaldo left the team's training camp after being benched during a match against Norway. At the time, the forward was suspended for 30 days and fined 255 euros by the federation, although he later apologized and made himself available for future call-ups. Ronaldo was on Jesus's preliminary list for the matches against Denmark on November 14 and Wales on November 17, both valid for the Nations League.