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Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football with the Portuguese national team.
The 41-year-old took to social media on Thursday morning to confirm the decision, with the caption "Portugal will always be in me."
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner ends his international career with an incredible 146 goals in 234 appearances, being part of the Portugal squad which won Euro 2016 and two Nations League titles in 2019 and 2025.
MORE: Cristiano Ronaldo boasts record for most international caps ever
"Today I finish my walk on the pitch with the national team," he said in the video.
"I leave with my head held high, with pride in the path I took, and with the awareness that I gave everything I had for Portugal.
Portugal estará sempre em mim https://t.co/dnFj51rxmh
— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) November 5, 2026"The goals pass, the cups are in museums, the records end up being beaten. But there is something that time can never erase, the place we occupy in people’s hearts.
"I spent my life working to be the best player in the world. Today I realise that the greatest victory was to have deserved to represent the best country in the world.
"Thank you for these 23 years. Thank you for having believed in me. Portugal will always be in me. Forever."
The timing of Ronaldo's departure has come shortly after a falling out with manager Jorge Jesus. During the last international break, he left the training camp after not making an appearance in a 2-1 win over Norway in the Nations League. He headed straight to the dressing room, failing to applaud the travelling fans.
His actions saw him hit with a suspension from international duty and a petty fine. Ronaldo accused Jesus of breaking promises — claiming he was told that he would make an appearance off the bench so began a warm-up only for the coach to change his mind.
Ronaldo continues to play for Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League and is chasing down a record 1000 career goal milestone. He currently sits on 985 goals.
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