Cristiano Ronaldo’s five great moments with Portugal

Cristiano Ronaldo has called time on his international career, ending a remarkable 24-year run for Portugal. Over the course of his tenure, the football icon scored an impressive 146 goals in 234 appearances for his country. Here are five standout moments from Ronaldo's illustrious career with the Portuguese national team.

In 2013, Ronaldo clashed with Swedish superstar Zlatan Ibrahimovic during a crucial World Cup play-off match in Stockholm. Ronaldo scored a hat-trick, clinching Portugal's place in the World Cup tournament. The following year, Ronaldo's Portugal reached their first-ever UEFA European Championship final against France in Paris. Tragically, Ronaldo was forced to leave the game injured and in tears after just 25 minutes, but his side went on to win the match thanks to an extra-time goal from Eder.

During the 2018 World Cup, Ronaldo put in a stellar performance in Portugal's opening match against host nation Spain. The Real Madrid star opened the scoring with a penalty kick before adding a hat-trick to Portugal's draw against Spain, showcasing his prowess at the age of 33.

In 2025, the 40-year-old Ronaldo once again proved his age was just a number as he led Portugal to the UEFA Nations League final against Spain. Ronaldo scored the decisive goal in extra time, earning his team a spot in the finals and enabling them to lift the trophy six years after their previous victory.

Finally, in 2026, Ronaldo showcased his resilience once again in the latter stages of the World Cup. Despite Portugal's disappointing group stage, Ronaldo helped his team secure a 2-1 victory against Croatia in the last 32. A late header from Goncalo Ramos proved to be the difference-maker, sending Portugal into the next round of the tournament, where they ultimately fell to Spain in the quarter-finals.