Portugal career ends after 23 years
Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from Portugal’s national team. FIFA confirmed the decision in a November 5 report, following the player’s video message to Portuguese supporters.
The 41-year-old finishes with 234 senior international appearances and 146 goals. FIFA identifies both figures as men’s international records. His Portugal career began in August 2003.
Club football continues
Ronaldo will continue playing for Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, according to FIFA. The announcement therefore ends his Portugal career; it does not announce an immediate end to his club career.
He captained Portugal to the 2016 European Championship and the 2019 and 2025 Nations League titles. He also scored at six World Cups, with 11 goals across those tournaments.
The announcement date matters
This is the international-retirement decision announced on November 5. It is distinct from earlier discussion about his final World Cup appearance. The linked FIFA report contains the player’s message and the international career figures.
