Former Indian cricketer Yuvraj Singh has hailed Cristiano Ronaldo as a “true legend” and an inspiration for generations, congratulating the Portuguese footballer on his extraordinary international career following his retirement from international football on November 6.
Ronaldo made his international debut in August 2003 as a substitute against Kazakhstan. He announced his decision to retire through a video message shared on Instagram, expressing pride and gratitude for representing Portugal throughout his 23-year career.
In his announcement, Ronaldo said it was time to pass on the iconic number 7 shirt. He described the decision as an emotional one, reflecting on a journey that began in August 2003 and changed his life forever.
In an Instagram post, Yuvraj praised Ronaldo’s journey from Madeira to becoming one of the world’s greatest footballers, stating that his success reflected ambition, discipline, self-belief, hard work and determination to overcome challenges.
“From a young boy in Madeira with a dream to becoming one of the greatest footballers the world has ever seen, your journey is a lesson in ambition, discipline and an unrelenting belief in yourself. Through every challenge, every setback and every milestone, you kept raising the bar. You didn’t just chase greatness; you worked, sacrificed and redefined what was possible. The records, the trophies and the five Ballon d’Or awards tell one story. The determination behind them tells another,” Yuvraj wrote.
He congratulated Ronaldo on his remarkable international career, describing him as a legend, the “GOAT” (Greatest of All Time) and an inspiration for generations, while wishing him success in the future. “Your career is a testament to the courage to dream big, the hunger to keep going and the belief to never settle. Congratulations on an extraordinary international career, Cristiano. Wishing you the very best for everything that lies ahead. A true legend. The GOAT. An inspiration for generations,” he added.
Ronaldo’s retirement marks the conclusion of one of the most statistically extraordinary careers in international football history. From his first appearance as a teenager to becoming Portugal’s captain and leading them to major international honours, Ronaldo’s impact spanned six European Championships and six FIFA World Cup tournaments.
He holds the record for the most international appearances in men’s football with 234 caps, and his 146 international goals give him a substantial lead over other top international goalscorers.