Cristiano Ronaldo retires from international football for Portugal, 23-year journey ends after dispute with coach
Legendary Portuguese footballer Cristiano Ronaldo announced his retirement from international football on Thursday. In a long video posted on Instagram, the 41-year-old Ronaldo stated that he is now handing back the number seven jersey of the Portugal national team. This decision ends his […]
What Ronaldo said
In the video, Ronaldo said that the day has come to return the national team's number seven jersey. He described it as the jersey of all of Portugal, which he wore for 23 years. According to him, this decision was not easy, because some decisions are made not just with the mind, but with the heart as well. He also thanked his fellow players and coaches.
Background of the retirement
According to reports, Ronaldo's decision comes after a dispute with Portugal coach Jorge Jesus. Ronaldo had expressed displeasure with the coach regarding playing time and had left the team's camp during the previous international window. Following this, the Portuguese Football Federation suspended him for 30 days and imposed a fine. Ronaldo apologized to his teammates and expressed a desire to continue playing for the team, but did not apologize to the coach. He had also accused the coach of breaking a promise. Coach Jesus had said that Ronaldo is welcome in the team and the decision to return is up to him. The Portuguese Football Federation has expressed "deep gratitude and immense appreciation" for Ronaldo's contributions.
Ronaldo's last international match was the Nations League encounter against Wales on 24 September, in which Portugal won 1-0. In the match against Norway on 4 October, he remained an unused substitute for Portugal for the first time in 18 years. His retirement announcement comes at a time when the Portugal coach is set to announce the team for the Nations League matches against Denmark and Wales tomorrow.
Records and achievements
Ronaldo made his debut for Portugal against Kazakhstan on 20 August 2003 at the age of 18. He played 234 matches for Portugal and scored 146 goals, which are world records for international matches and goals in men's football.
He is the only player to play in six World Cups (2006 to 2026) and is reported to be the first player to score in six different World Cups. Under his captaincy, Portugal won Euro 2016 and the 2019 and 2025 Nations League titles. A five-time Ballon d'Or winner, Ronaldo could not win the World Cup. During his era, Portugal's best performance in this tournament was reaching the semi-finals and finishing in fourth place in 2006.
What's next
Ronaldo will now only play club football and has set a target of 1000 goals in his club career. The Portugal team will play against Denmark and Wales in the Nations League this month.
