Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from football, bringing an end to his 23 years career with the national team.

The 41 year old forward made the announcement on Thursday, via a statement shared on his social media accounts, expressing gratitude to Portugal and millions of supporters who have followed his career.

According to him, the time had come to hand over Portugal’s iconic number seven shirt to the next generation, describing the decision as an emotional and difficult one.

His international journey began in August 2003 when he made his debut for Portugal at the age of 18. Over the years, he has established himself as one of the most influential players in the country’s football history.

During his international career, Ronaldo made 234 appearances and scored 146 goals, making him the leading goal scorer.

He also captained Portugal to its first major international trophy at the 2016 European Championship in France. His achievements with the national team further include two UEFA National League titles, won in 2019 and 2025.

In his farewell message, Ronaldo reflected on his journey, saying his memories extended beyond goals, records and trophies to include the millions of Portuguese supporters who stood behind him throughout his career.

He also expressed appreciation to his teammates, coaches family and the Portuguese people for their support over the years. Despite retiring from international football, Ronaldo is expected to continue his professional club career with Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassar.

His departure marks the end of a remarkable chapters in Portuguese football and leaves behind a legacy that had inspired generations of footballers across the world.

Ronaldo will be remembered not only for his extraordinary goal scoring record but also for his leadership, determination and contribution to the development of modern football.

By David Brown