Did Ronaldo Retire? Cristiano Ronaldo Quits Portugal International Duty

Yes — Cristiano Ronaldo has retired from international football. The 41-year-old announced on Thursday, Nov. 5, 2026, that he is stepping away from the Portugal national team after 23 years. He is still playing club soccer for Saudi side Al Nassr.

Ronaldo holds the men’s world records for international goals (146) and caps (234), according to BBC Sport, ESPN and FIFA.

What did Ronaldo say?

In an Instagram video quoted by BBC Sport and FIFA, Ronaldo said: “To the Portuguese people, the day has come for me to hand back the No. 7 shirt of our national team.” He added that for 23 years he had the “privilege and responsibility” of wearing it, and that “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 said. “A journey that began in August 2003 and changed my life forever has come to an end.”

He also acknowledged mistakes and defeats that “still hurt to remember,” while saying his greatest victory was representing Portugal.

Why now? The fallout with Jorge Jesus

The announcement followed a public rupture with Portugal coach Jorge Jesus. Ronaldo walked out of camp in September after being told he would not start a Nations League match against Denmark, drawing a fine and a 30-day suspension from the Portuguese Football Federation, BBC Sport and ESPN reported.

Earlier, he had been an unused substitute against Norway — the first time since 2008 he sat out a competitive Portugal game without entering — and accused Jesus of breaking his word. Jesus said the door remained open; Ronaldo later apologized to teammates but not to the coach, ESPN said.

Ronaldo’s last Portugal appearance was a Sept. 24 Nations League win over Wales, ESPN reported. He started every match at the 2026 World Cup, where Portugal lost to eventual champions Spain in the round of 16; FIFA said he scored three goals at those finals to reach 11 World Cup goals across a record six tournaments.

Club future and tributes

Ronaldo will keep playing for Al Nassr. ESPN noted he sits on 985 career goals and is chasing 1,000. The Portuguese Football Federation said it will not let the farewell pass without a fitting tribute and planned to announce its Nations League squad (Denmark at home, Wales away) on Friday after the announcement.

Portugal won Euro 2016 under his captaincy and Nations League titles in 2019 and 2025, BBC Sport and FIFA reported.

FAQ

Earlier coverage: Did Ronaldo Retire? Cristiano Ronaldo Announces Retirement From Portugal After 23 Years (Nov 5)