Ronaldo Retires: Portugal Legend Hands Back No. 7 Shirt After 23 Years

Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to one of the most extraordinary careers in the history of the Portugal national team.

The 41-year-old Al-Nassr forward confirmed the decision on Thursday in an emotional video message and written statement shared on social media. Ronaldo, the all-time leading scorer in men’s international football with 146 goals in 234 appearances, said the time had come to “hand back the number 7 shirt” of the Seleção after 23 years of service.

“To the Portuguese people, the day has come to hand back the number 7 shirt of our national team,” Ronaldo said. “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. Today, the time has come to pass it on to the future. It was not an easy decision. Because some decisions are not made with the mind alone. They are also made with the heart.”

A journey that began in August 2003 and changed his life forever has now ended. Looking back, Ronaldo stressed that the matches, goals, records and trophies were secondary to the connection he felt with the Portuguese people. “Goals fade. Trophies end up in museums. Records are eventually broken. But there is something that time can never erase: the place we hold in people’s hearts.”

Ronaldo leaves as Portugal’s most-capped player and record goalscorer. He lifted the UEFA European Championship in 2016 and won two UEFA Nations League titles. He also became the first player to score in six different FIFA World Cups, netting in every edition from 2006 through 2026.

The announcement follows a turbulent period. After Portugal’s Round-of-16 exit at the 2026 World Cup, Ronaldo had already indicated that tournament would be his last.

A later dispute with head coach Jorge Jesus saw him walk out of the national team camp in September, resulting in a 30-day suspension and fine. He had been expected to return for the November Nations League fixtures but has now drawn a definitive line under his international career.

In his farewell message, Ronaldo reflected on the pride of representing his country and the dream that began as a boy chasing a ball in Madeira. He thanked the Portuguese people for their belief and support, vowing that Portugal would always remain part of him.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner will continue playing at club level with Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, where he remains focused on reaching the 1,000-career-goal milestone. For Portugal, the end of the Ronaldo era marks the close of a golden chapter that transformed the national team into consistent contenders on the world stage.

Football fans around the globe are already paying tribute to a player whose records, longevity and relentless drive redefined excellence in the modern game. The number 7 shirt may now be passed on, but Cristiano Ronaldo’s place in Portugal’s football history is secure forever.