Cristiano Ronaldo confirmed the end of his time with the national team in a video statement looking back on his athletic career—and more—shared on both social media platforms.
The forward from Madeira has officially announced his retirement from international soccer, bringing to a close a unique 23-year career that redefined the history of the sport in Portugal.
The announcement was made via a video in which, set to the music of Dulce Pontes, the eternal captain addresses his final words to the Portuguese people as a national team player. The GOAT—Greatest of All Time, as many call him—also said that,
"The greatest victory was having earned the right to represent the best country in the world."
A full stop after 23 years at the highest level
Cristiano Ronaldo’s retirement comes amid a complex situation and on the eve of a new squad announcement by head coach Jorge Jesus—the first since the captain left the team’s training camp, a move that resulted in a small fine, as there were no significant aggravating circumstances within the national team.”
Despite the recent turmoil, the tone of his farewell focuses on pride and resilience.
Called up by Luiz Felipe Scolari on August 20, 2003, for a friendly against Kazakhstan in Chaves, Ronaldo played under six national team coaches over more than two decades: Scolari, Carlos Queiroz, Paulo Bento, Fernando Santos, Roberto Martínez, and, finally, Jorge Jesus, under whom he made just one international appearance.
The Portuguese legend’s unbeatable stats
Ronaldo bids farewell as the all-time leading scorer and the player with the most appearances in the history of international soccer. The legacy he leaves with the Portuguese national team is reflected in statistics that are unlikely to ever be matched:
- 234 international appearances (an all-time world record)”
- 146 goals scored (all-time world record)”
- 6 European Championships and 6 World Cups (appearances)”
- The only player in history to score in six different World Cups
- Most appearances (30) and most goals (14) in the history of the European Championship
- Winning Euro 2016 (France) and two Nations Leagues (2019 and 2025)
Federation prepares tribute “worthy of his immense career”
The country’s reaction was immediate. The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF), chaired by Pedro Proença, issued a statement expressing “deep gratitude and immense admiration.”
The governing body of Portuguese soccer describes CR7 as “an inspiring leader” and the “ultimate symbol of our national team’s spirit,” confirming its firm intention to organize a national tribute so that fans can celebrate the forward’s career.
As was to be expected, reactions poured in from all sectors of society and around the world. Portugal’s Prime Minister, Luís Montenegro, emphasized that the player’s achievements will “resonate for eternity,” a message that joined the tributes paid by former and current teammates, such as Pepe, Diogo Dalot, and Rafael Leão, as well as figures from other sports, such as judoka Telma Monteiro.
What will remain in the history of his time with the national team are the titles, the records, and the images of an unforgettable journey.”
As he himself summed it up in his farewell: “There’s one image I’ll always carry with me. The moment the national anthem begins. I walk away with my head held high.”
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