The 41-year-old Portuguese legend says he will \u2018hand back the number 7 shirt\u2019 in social media post.<\/p>\n
Published On 5 Nov 20265 Nov 2026<\/p>\n
Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his intention to \u2060retire from \u2060the Portugal national team in a social media post, bringing to \u2060an end one of the most illustrious international careers in the history of football.<\/p>\n
The 41-year-old\u2019s announcement on Thursday that he will \u201chand back the number 7 shirt\u201d marked the end of a lauded career that began more than two decades ago and finished with him walking out on the national team after falling out with coach Jorge Jesus<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cIt was not an easy decision, because there are decisions that are not made only with the head. They are also made with the heart,\u201d Ronaldo said.<\/p>\n \u201cIf \u2060I ever made you happy, \u2060if one of my goals ever made you hug someone, forget a worry or feel proud of our country, \u2060then it was all worth it.\u201d<\/p>\n Ronaldo thanked his family, the Portuguese \u2060people, and the teammates, coaches \u2060and staff he worked with over his 23-year career with the national team.<\/p>\n \u201cPortugal will always be a part of me,\u201d \u200che captioned the announcement video.<\/p>\n Ronaldo has made 234 appearances for Portugal and scored 146 goals. \u200cHe \u200cholds the all-time record for international appearances and for international goals.<\/p>\n Ronaldo captained the team to their first major trophy at Euro 2016 \u200cand helped them win the 2019 and 2025 Nations Leagues.<\/p>\n