SRINAGAR: Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to a 23-year career with Portugal during which he became the highest goalscorer in men’s international football.
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The 41-year-old forward confirmed his decision in a video message posted on Instagram, saying he would step away from international duty after the upcoming break.
Ronaldo retires with a record 146 goals in 234 appearances for Portugal. He made his senior international debut in 2003, aged 18, and represented the country at five FIFA World Cups and six European Championships.
His most significant achievements with Portugal included captaining the team to its first major international title at the 2016 UEFA European Championship in France. He also helped the country win the inaugural UEFA Nations League in 2019.
The announcement follows Portugal’s elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which Ronaldo had previously identified as his final appearance at the tournament.
Although he had initially considered continuing with the national side, his international career had come under scrutiny in recent months. This included a reported disagreement with head coach Jorge Jesus over tactics after Ronaldo was left out of the starting line-up for a Nations League match against Norway.
Ronaldo had repeatedly maintained that he remained available for national selection. His retirement now leaves Portugal facing the task of moving into a new phase without its long-serving captain and leading goalscorer.
In his farewell message, Ronaldo said: “I leave with a clear conscience, knowing I gave everything to this jersey.”