Full-time for Ronaldo: No 7 announces international retirement

LISBON: Cristiano Ronaldo has officially announced that he will step away from international football, drawing the curtain on a legendary career with Portugal. The 41-year-old forward confirmed the decision in a social media post on Thursday, stating he will wear the iconic number 7 shirt for the final time following November’s international fixtures.

Ronaldo leaves the national setup as the most decorated individual in international football history, holding world records for both appearances (234) and goals (146). His defining moment in a Portugal shirt came at Euro 2016, leading the nation to its first major silverware—a victory cemented by his passionate presence on the touchline after an early injury forced him off in the final against France. He later led Portugal to a second trophy in the inaugural 2019 UEFA Nations League.

Spanning more than two decades, his international journey concluded with a appearance at the 2026 World Cup, where he became the first male player to score across six separate editions of the tournament.

The announcement applies exclusively to his international career; Ronaldo remains under contract and active at club level with Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr. His departure marks a pivotal transition for Portuguese football as the national team prepares for life after its greatest captain.