Cristiano Ronaldo Announces Retirement from International Football

Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football at the age of 41, bringing an end to a 23-year career with the Portuguese national team. The forward made the announcement in a video message published on social media, concluding an international career during which he set world records for appearances and goals. His retirement marks the formal conclusion of his two-decade tenure representing his country.

The veteran forward made his senior debut for Portugal in August 2003. Over the subsequent 23 years, Ronaldo accumulated 234 caps and scored 146 goals for his country. Both totals stand as world records in men's international football, placing him as the most capped player and highest goalscorer in international history.

In his published video message, Ronaldo formally announced the end of his time wearing the national jersey. He said: "To the Portuguese people, the day has come for me to hand back the number seven shirt of our national team." He stated that wearing and defending the shirt across stadiums worldwide had been both a privilege and a responsibility. He added that the choice to step aside was made with both his mind and his heart, closing a journey that began in August 2003.

The announcement follows internal friction within the Portuguese squad during Nations League preparations earlier in the autumn. In September, Ronaldo left the national team camp after being told he would not start in a fixture against Denmark. Following his retirement announcement, the Portuguese national team continues its schedule without its long-serving captain.

Written by Freya Stensrud freya.stensrud@alpineweekly.com