Ronaldo retires from international football
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The gist
Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo announced his international retirement in an Instagram video after 23 years.
His exit follows a fall-out with coach Jorge Jesus and ends a record-scoring career.
Background
Cristiano Ronaldo is a 41-year-old Portugal forward, captain and record international goalscorer, a five-time Ballon d'Or winner who plays for Al-Nassr. He left the Portugal training camp during the last international break after not appearing against Norway in a 2-1 Nations League win, and the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) suspended and fined him. He had considered retiring after the 2026 World Cup, where Portugal exited in the last 16, but was urged to reconsider by FPF president Pedro Proenca; in October he said he was not retiring and accused coach Jorge Jesus of breaking his word.
How it unfolded
- Sep 24, 2026Ronaldo's final appearance may go down as Portugal's 1-0 win over Wales in Lisbon, depending on the nature of the tribute.
- Sep 30, 2026Reports, per Marca, said Ronaldo could call time on his Portugal career after a falling-out with new manager Jorge Jesus.
- Oct 6, 2026Ronaldo said he was not retiring but wanted to be punished for walking out on Portugal after Jorge Jesus twice 'broke his word'; Jesus said the door was still open.
- Nov 5, 2026Ronaldo announced his retirement from international football in an Instagram video, reading a letter to supporters.
Key terms
- Nations League
- A European international football competition for senior men's national teams of UEFA member associations, featuring promotion and relegation.
- Ballon d'Or
- An annual football award given by France Football magazine to the player judged best over the previous season.
- Portuguese Football Federation
- The governing body of football in Portugal, founded in 1914 and a founding member of UEFA.
Source: Wikipedia
Who’s saying what
- Official
- Ronaldo said he leaves 'with my head held high' and gave everything he had for Portugal, calling it a decision made with the heart as much as the head.
- Caution
- Earlier in October, Ronaldo accused Jorge Jesus of breaking promises over a promised substitute appearance, while Jesus said the door remained open for him.
Still unverified
A July report citing a Portuguese business agent claimed Ronaldo would retire after one final appearance against Wales; the claim was attributed to the agent. Outlets also differ on his caps: ESPN, CNN, Yahoo and DW reported 146 goals in 234 appearances, while Sky Sports reported 146 goals in 243 caps.