A bitter end for Ronaldo - the icon who transformed Portugal

Ronaldo retires from international football after 23 years and 146 goals, ending his Portugal career following a fallout with coach Jorge Jesus over his benching.

Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football after 23 years with Portugal, ending his career with 146 goals in 234 appearances. His departure came after a dispute with coach Jorge Jesus, who benched him and indicated he would not start him in the next match. Ronaldo left the team's training camp without permission and received a 30-day sanction and €255 fine.

His final appearance came on 24 September against Wales. While Portugal's football federation released a message thanking Ronaldo as a global ambassador and inspiration, the manner of his exit leaves questions unanswered. Jesus had suggested the door remained open and the decision was Ronaldo's, but the 41-year-old was no longer guaranteed a starting place—a situation he has historically struggled to accept.

Ronaldo's international career spanned from his debut as an immature teenager, famously crying after Portugal's Euro 2004 final loss at home to Greece, to becoming the nation's greatest player and a global icon. His relationship with the national team evolved through clashes with various managers, but also deep bonds with teammates and coaches who helped shape him, particularly after his father's death in 2005.