A big shock for football fans—the legendary and beloved Portuguese player Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his intention to retire from international football.
On November 5, 2026, the football player confirmed his decision via a social media post, marking the end of one of the most remarkable journeys of a player in the history of the game. He also said that he will hand back the number 7 shirt after the November international break.
In a heartfelt video message, Cristiano said, “To the Portuguese people. The day has come for me to hand back the number 7 shirt of our National Team. I never felt it belonged to me alone. But for 23 years, I had the privilege and the responsibility of wearing it, defending it, and carrying it with me into stadiums all around the world.”
Reflecting on his decision, the player said, “Today, the time has come to pass it on to the future. It was not an easy decision, because some decisions are made with the mind alone. They are also made with heart. A journey that began in August 2003 and changed my life forever has come to an end.”
Looking back at his journey, the football player expressed, “When I look back at everything I experienced with the National Team, I don’t just see matches, goals, records, or trophies. I see people; I see Portuguese people living abroad who, for ninety minutes, felt a little closer to home. I see millions of Portuguese people I have never met but who became part of my life. Because at the end of the day, football is so much bigger than a game.”
Cristiano Ronaldo, in his 23-year-long journey, has played 234 matches representing Portugal, scoring an incredible 146 goals since his international debut in August 2003. Over the years, the football player created history, becoming Portugal’s all-time leading goalscorer and appearance maker.
