Sports
Cristiano Ronaldo retires from Portugal ending a record-setting international career
Cristiano Ronaldo announced he is retiring from Portugal duty at 41 ending a 23-year run with world-record totals of 234 caps and 146 international goals.
The Portugal chapter is closed.
Cristiano Ronaldo announced Thursday that he is retiring from international football ending a 23-year run that began in August 2003.
The 41-year-old leaves with men's world records of 234 caps and 146 international goals. He will keep playing club football for Al Nassr.
Handing back the No. 7
"To the Portuguese people the day has come for me to hand back the No. 7 shirt of our national team" Ronaldo said in an Instagram video. "I never felt it belonged to me alone but for 23 years I had the privilege and responsibility of wearing it."
He captained Portugal to Euro 2016 glory plus Nations League titles in 2019 and 2025 and scored at a record six World Cups.
Exit after the fallout
The farewell follows his September walkout from camp after being told he would not start against Denmark which brought a fine and a 30-day suspension from the federation.
Portugal said it wants to organize a fitting tribute. Squad announcements for upcoming Nations League matches against Denmark and Wales continue without him.
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