Cristiano Ronaldo announces his international retirement after 23 years, ending his Portugal career with an emotional farewell message to supporters.
Portuguese football icon Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to his 23-year career with the national team.
The 41-year-old announced his decision in an emotional farewell statement on Thursday, November 5, reflecting on his journey with Portugal since making his international debut in August 2003.
Ronaldo, who wore Portugal’s iconic number seven shirt throughout his international career, said the time had come to hand it over to the next generation.
“The day has come to return the number 7 shirt of our national team. I never felt it was exclusively mine, but for 23 years, I had the privilege and responsibility of wearing it, defending it and carrying it with me to stadiums across the world,” he said.
“Today, the moment has come to hand it over to the future.”
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner described the decision as difficult, acknowledging the emotional significance of ending a journey that had shaped his life and career.
Reflecting on his international achievements, Ronaldo said his memories extended beyond goals, records and trophies to the supporters who stood behind him throughout the years.
“Because, at the end of the day, football is much bigger than a game. Football is about people,” he said.
He also acknowledged the difficult moments of his career, including defeats and occasions when he could not deliver the results Portuguese supporters expected.
However, he maintained that he never stopped feeling proud of representing his country.
Ronaldo further paid tribute to his teammates, coaches, medical personnel, technical staff and family for their contributions to his international career.
He described captaining Portugal as a privilege, adding that his teammates would remain an important part of his story.
In another striking passage, the forward reflected on the unity he experienced whenever Portugal’s national anthem played before matches.
“There are no clubs, no colours, no social classes, no professions and no opinions. There is only one passion: Portugal,” he said.
Despite stepping away from international football, Ronaldo assured supporters that he would continue to follow and celebrate the national team’s achievements.
“I will never stop being one of you. I will continue to suffer, feel the excitement and celebrate every Portuguese victory, just as I always have,” he said.
He concluded his farewell message by thanking the Portuguese people for believing in him and allowing him to fulfil a childhood dream that began in Madeira.
“I spent my life working to become the best footballer in the world. Today, I realise that the greatest victory was earning the privilege of representing the best country in the world,” he said.
“The number 7 shirt remains, and the pride of having worn it will be mine forever. Portugal will always be within me.”
Ronaldo retires as Portugal’s all-time leading goalscorer and most-capped player, with 146 goals in 234 appearances. He also captained the country to its first European Championship title in 2016 and UEFA Nations League triumphs in 2019 and 2025.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
Follow us on:
