Did Ronaldo Retire? Cristiano Ronaldo Announces Retirement From Portugal After 23 Years

Yes, Cristiano Ronaldo has retired, but only from international football. The 41-year-old forward announced on Thursday, Nov. 5, that he is stepping away from the Portugal national team after 23 years, closing one of the most decorated international careers the sport has seen. He is still an Al-Nassr player at club level.

Ronaldo made the announcement in a video on Instagram. “To the Portuguese people, the day has come for me to hand back the number seven shirt of our national team,” he said, according to BBC Sport.

What did Ronaldo say?

“I never felt it belonged to me alone, but for 23 years I had the privilege and responsibility of wearing it, defending it and carrying it with me into stadiums all around the world,” Ronaldo said in the video, as quoted by the BBC. “Today the time has come to pass it on to the future. It was not an easy decision, because some decisions are not made with the mind alone - they are also made with the heart.”

He also acknowledged low points. “There were perfect afternoons and nights. There were victories I will never forget. There were defeats that still hurt to remember. I made mistakes; I suffered,” he said.

His closing line, in the BBC’s rendering: “I spent my life working to become the best player in the world. Today I realise my greatest victory was earning the honour of representing the best country in the world.” Reuters translated a few lines slightly differently, so wording varies across outlets.

Will Ronaldo play Portugal’s November games?

That isn’t fully clear yet. Reuters, via Dawn, reported that Ronaldo said he would hand back the No. 7 shirt after the November international break. Portugal hosts Denmark in Braga on Nov. 14 and then visits Wales in its last two Nations League group games, which Reuters described as his final chances to add to his international numbers.

BBC Sport said Portugal will name its squad for those games on Friday. The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) said it would not “let this farewell take place without due tribute” and plans to organize a tribute so fans can celebrate his career. Whether he is in the squad should become clear when it is announced.

Ronaldo’s Portugal career by the numbers

• 146 goals and 234 caps, both world records
• Debut in August 2003, as an 18-year-old
• Portugal captain since 2008
• Euro 2016 champion, Portugal’s first major trophy, and a runner-up at Euro 2004
• Nations League winner in 2019 and 2025
• Played in six European Championships and six World Cups; he and Lionel Messi are the only players to appear at six World Cups, Reuters noted

The World Cup remained the one major prize he never won. At the 2026 tournament this summer, Portugal lost 1-0 to eventual champion Spain in the round of 16. Ronaldo started every game, but his performances drew criticism, BBC Sport said.

Why did Ronaldo fall out with the Portugal coach?

The retirement follows a tense autumn with coach Jorge Jesus, a dispute ESPN’s headline linked directly to the decision.

According to the BBC, Ronaldo was upset after being named a substitute against Norway and left unused, the first time he had been an unused sub in a competitive Portugal game since 2008. When Jesus told him he would not start the Nations League match against Denmark in September, Ronaldo left the camp without permission and did not return.

Ronaldo later said Jesus had broken promises. Jesus denied making any agreement but left the door open for a return. Ronaldo apologized and said he was still available. The federation fined him and suspended him for 30 days, a period that did not include any Portugal games. Reports differ on the fine: BBC Sport put it at £215, while Reuters reported 255 euros (about $287).

Ronaldo did not mention the dispute in his farewell video.

What’s next for CR7?

Ronaldo continues at Saudi club Al-Nassr. His announcement comes weeks after his longtime rival Messi retired from Argentina duty in front of roughly 85,000 fans in Buenos Aires in October.

In its statement, the FPF called him “an inspiring leader, an example of dedication and the ultimate symbol of the soul of our National Team.”

FAQ