Lisbon. Football legend Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football. Portugal's star player Cristiano Ronaldo announced his retirement from international football on Thursday. In an emotional message posted on his social media, the 41-year-old Portugal captain said, “For 23 years, I had the privilege of wearing this jersey, honoring it and taking it to stadiums around the world. Today, the time has come to hand it on to the next generation. This was not an easy decision. Some decisions are taken not just with the head, but with the heart.”
Ronaldo said, “For 23 years I had the privilege of wearing this jersey, respecting it and taking it to stadiums around the world. Today the time has come to hand it over to the next generation. This was not an easy decision. Some decisions are not taken just with the head, but with the heart.”
International journey started in 2003
After making his international debut in 2003, Ronaldo played at the Athens 2004 Olympic Games and subsequently took part in five FIFA World Cup tournaments. He leaves international football as Portugal's all-time leading goalscorer and longest-serving captain. On the basis of his brilliant talent, goalscoring ability and leadership, he created a distinct identity in world football.
Gave two big titles to Portugal
Under his captaincy, Portugal won the UEFA European Championship 2016 and UEFA Nations League 2019 titles. Ronaldo played 234 matches and scored 146 international goals. After this, in 2019 the team also won the UEFA Nations League trophy. He is the highest international goalscorer and longest captain for Portugal.
Farewell with 234 matches and 146 goals
Ronaldo played 234 matches in his international career and scored 146 goals. With these figures, he ranks among Portugal's most successful players. With the announcement of his retirement, a memorable chapter in international football has come to an end.
Ronaldo is the first player to play FIFA World Cup
Cristiano Ronaldo has made another unique record in the history of football. He became the first footballer in the world to play in six FIFA World Cups. Ronaldo, who played the World Cup for the first time in 2006, achieved this historic achievement by also participating in the tournaments of 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022 and 2026.
World Cup's historical record in Ronaldo's name
Historic Achievement: The first footballer in the world to score a goal in six different FIFA World Cups.
World Cup: 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022 and 2026.
Total World Cup goals: 11.
World Cup matches: 27.
Special record: Achieved this feat by scoring two goals against Uzbekistan in the 2026 World Cup.
Other players: Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are among the players who have played six World Cups, but Ronaldo holds the record of scoring goals in six World Cups.