Cristiano Ronaldo announces international retirement from Portugal

Ronaldo announced his international retirement after 234 caps and 146 goals for Portugal, ending a 23-year career with the national team.

Cristiano Ronaldo announced his retirement from international football on Thursday via Instagram, bringing an end to a 23-year career with Portugal. His final match came on 24 September in a Nations League victory over Wales (1-0).

The announcement came a month after Ronaldo's dramatic departure from the national team camp amid tensions with then-manager Jorge Jesus. During the recent World Cup, Ronaldo faced significant criticism over his influence and physical condition, with pundits questioning whether his presence was helping or hindering the team. Despite scoring in six different World Cups—a record—Portugal was eliminated in the round of 16 by Spain (0-1), with Ronaldo failing to make an impact in the knockout match.

As captain since 2008, Ronaldo leaves as Portugal's all-time leader in caps (234) and goals (146). He won three major tournaments with the Seleção: Euro 2016 and the Nations League in 2015 and 2019. The Portuguese media had been calling for his retirement after the World Cup, with outlets like Record and A Bola suggesting it was time for him to step aside.