Ronaldo Calls Time on His Illustrious Portugal Career

Cristiano Ronaldo, the legendary Portuguese footballer, has announced his retirement from international football at the age of 41. The 41-year-old forward has an impressive record with Portugal, having scored 146 goals and earned 234 caps – both of which are world records. His international career began in 2003, and he last played for his country in September, receiving a £215 fine and a 30-day suspension for not starting the Nations League match against Denmark.

Ronaldo expressed his gratitude to the Portuguese people, stating that "the day has come for me to hand back the number seven shirt of our national team." He acknowledged that the responsibility of wearing the shirt belonged not just to him, but to the 23 years he dedicated to defending it and carrying it into stadiums worldwide.

The decision to retire was not made lightly, as it involved both the mind and the heart. Ronaldo noted that his journey began in August 2003 and forever changed his life, and now it's time to pass it on to the future.

Today, Portugal will announce their squad for the upcoming Nations League matches against Denmark at home and Wales away. The Portuguese Football Federation (PFF) has vowed to organize a fitting tribute to Ronaldo's illustrious career, emphasizing their desire to actively collaborate in honoring the player who provided so much to the nation and its fans.

Ronaldo has represented Portugal in six European Championships, where they reached the finals in 2004 and 2016, and did not advance past the semi-finals of the World Cup during his career. He has served as captain of the national team since 2008 and won the inaugural Nations League in 2019, as well as in 2025. Ronaldo's great rival, Lionel Messi, also recently retired from international football, marking the end of an emotional era for football fans around the world.