{ "id": 18303307, "title": "Cristiano Ronaldo's seven greatest moments for Portugal", "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/05/cristiano-ronaldos-seven-greatest-moments-for-portugal", "topic": "world", "section": "World", "published": "2026-11-05T12:25:46.000Z", "source": { "name": "Gulf News", "slug": "gulf-news", "url": "https://gulfnews.com/sport/cristiano-ronaldos-seven-greatest-moments-for-portugal-1.500737187" }, "original_language": "en", "account": "After a remarkable 23-year international career, 41-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from playing for Portugal. The iconic No. 7 shirt will now be left behind as the Portuguese Football Federation marks the conclusion of one of football's most illustrious careers. From humble beginnings to unforgettable moments, Ronaldo's tenure for his nation's team has been nothing short of legendary.\n\nReflecting on his time with the tricolor jersey, here are seven of Cristiano Ronaldo's greatest moments in international football for Portugal:\n\n1. Ronaldo's first goal for Portugal came in Euro 2004, just 19 years old. He scored a late header in Portugal's opening match against Greece, despite the team ultimately falling short in the tournament.\n\n2. At the 2006 World Cup, Ronaldo stepped up to score the decisive penalty against England in the quarter-finals, leading Portugal to the semi-finals and solidifying his reputation as a penalty-taker in crunch moments.\n\n3. In 2013, Ronaldo netted a hat-trick against Sweden to secure Portugal's qualification for the 2014 World Cup. His pace, finishing, and ability to rise to the occasion were on full display.\n\n4. Ronaldo's crowning achievement with Portugal came in Euro 2016 when they clinched their first major international trophy. Although he was forced off with an injury during the final, his leadership on the touchline proved instrumental as Eder's extra-time winner sealed a historic 1-0 victory.\n\n5. At the 2018 World Cup, Ronaldo scored three goals in Portugal's thrilling 3-3 draw against Spain. His performance sealed his place in football history as the only player to score three times in a World Cup match.\n\n6. In September 2021, Ronaldo became Portugal's all-time top scorer with two goals against the Republic of Ireland in a World Cup qualifier, surpassing Ali Daei's previous record of 109 goals.\n\n7. Portugal's victory in the 2025 UEFA Nations League final, secured on penalties after a 2-2 draw with Spain, marked Ronaldo's third major international trophy. This triumph completes his remarkable legacy for his country.", "summary": "Dubai: After 23 years, 234 appearances and an incredible 146 goals, Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to one of the greatest careers the international game has ever witnessed. The 41-year-old confirmed his decision in an emotional video revealing that he will hand over Portugal's iconic No. 7 shirt following the upcoming international…", "key_points": [], "editors_take": null, "illustration": null, "coverage": { "outlets": 12, "also_reported_by": [ { "outlet": "Sky News", "title": "Cristiano Ronaldo retires from international football", "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/05/cristiano-ronaldo-retires-from-international-football-18295048", "published": "2026-11-05T10:30:00.000Z" }, { "outlet": "Channel News Asia", "title": "Cristiano Ronaldo announces retirement from Portuguese national team", "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/05/cristiano-ronaldo-announces-retirement-from-portuguese-national-team", "published": "2026-11-05T10:38:39.000Z" }, { "outlet": "The Indian Express", "title": "Cristiano Ronaldo retires from international football", "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/05/cristiano-ronaldo-retires-from-international-football", "published": "2026-11-05T10:41:51.000Z" }, { "outlet": "GBC Ghana", "title": "Cristiano Ronaldo retires from international football", "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/05/cristiano-ronaldo-retires-from-international-football-18295976", "published": "2026-11-05T10:45:08.000Z" }, { "outlet": "The National UAE", "title": "Cristiano Ronaldo calls time on Portugal career and retires from international football", "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/05/cristiano-ronaldo-calls-time-on-portugal-career-and-retires-from", "published": "2026-11-05T10:46:39.000Z" }, { "outlet": "KahawaTungu", "title": "Cristiano Ronaldo retires from international football", "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/05/cristiano-ronaldo-retires-from-international-football-18295921", "published": "2026-11-05T11:00:22.000Z" }, { "outlet": "Dawn", "title": "Cristiano Ronaldo announces international retirement", "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/05/cristiano-ronaldo-announces-international-retirement", "published": "2026-11-05T11:04:58.000Z" }, { "outlet": "Free Press Journal", "title": "'End Of An Era!': Netizens Left Heartbroken As Cristiano Ronaldo Announces Retirement From International Football After 23 Years With Portugal", "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/05/end-of-an-era-netizens-left-heartbroken-as-cristiano-ronaldo", "published": "2026-11-05T11:12:20.000Z" }, { "outlet": "BBC News", "title": "Cristiano Ronaldo retires from international football", "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/05/cristiano-ronaldo-retires-from-international-football-18296907", "published": "2026-11-05T11:17:03.000Z" }, { "outlet": "Punch", "title": "Portugal plans special farewell for Ronaldo", "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/05/portugal-plans-special-farewell-for-ronaldo", "published": "2026-11-05T13:34:52.000Z" }, { "outlet": "The Hill", "title": "Cristiano Ronaldo retires from Portugal national team", "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/05/cristiano-ronaldo-retires-from-portugal-national-team", "published": "2026-11-05T13:56:15.000Z" } ] }, "ai_generated": true, "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original." }