Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to a remarkable 23-year career with Portugal during which he became the country's all-time leading goalscorer and the most-capped men's international player.
The 41-year-old made the announcement on Thursday, November 5, 2026, saying he would hand over Portugal's iconic No. 7 shirt after the November international fixtures.
"The day has come for me to hand back the number 7 shirt of our national team," Ronaldo said in his farewell message.
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"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."
Portugal are scheduled to face Denmark at home on November 14 before travelling to Cardiff to meet Wales three days later in the UEFA Nations League. Ronaldo's retirement announcement means he will bring his international career to a close after the November international window.
Ronaldo made his senior debut for Portugal in August 2003 as an 18-year-old. He leaves the national team with 234 appearances and 146 goals, both men's international records.
His international career was highlighted by Portugal's historic triumph at the 2016 European Championship, the country's first major international title.
He also captained Portugal to UEFA Nations League victories in 2019 and 2025, further cementing his place among the greatest players in the country's football history.
In his farewell message, Ronaldo reflected on his relationship with Portuguese supporters and the significance of representing his country, saying his contribution went beyond personal achievements and records.
"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," he said.
He also expressed gratitude to his family, teammates, coaches, technical staff and Portuguese supporters for standing by him throughout his international career.
"Portugal will always be a part of me," he added.
Dispute with Portugal coach
Ronaldo's retirement announcement comes weeks after a public disagreement with Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus over his involvement in the national team.
The disagreement followed Portugal's 2-1 victory over Norway on September 27, when Ronaldo remained an unused substitute despite warming up during the match.
The forward subsequently left Portugal's training camp ahead of another international fixture, triggering controversy over his relationship with the coach.
In a statement published on October 6, Ronaldo accused Jesus of breaking his word twice, claiming the coach had initially promised him 30 minutes of playing time against Norway before changing his position.
Ronaldo also alleged that the coach failed to honour an agreement to explain the situation during a subsequent press conference.
Jesus denied making the agreement as described by Ronaldo but maintained that the door remained open for the forward's return.
The Portuguese Football Federation subsequently imposed a 30-day suspension and a fine following Ronaldo's departure from the training camp.
Despite the controversy, Ronaldo's international legacy remains defined by his extraordinary scoring record, leadership and contribution to Portugal's greatest football achievements.
His departure marks the end of one of the longest and most successful international careers in modern football history.