Cristiano Ronaldo has officially ended his 23-year international career, confirming his retirement from Portugal duty in a heartfelt video message. The 41-year-old forward announced the decision on Instagram, stating that the time has come to “pass it on to the future” after carrying the number seven shirt for over two decades. His departure marks the close of a historic chapter in football, capping a tenure defined by unprecedented longevity and global influence.
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Ronaldo leaves with unmatched statistical dominance, holding the world records for both most international goals (146) and most appearances (234) for a single nation. Since making his debut in 2003, he has been the cornerstone of Portugal’s attack, guiding the team to victory in the 2016 European Championship and the 2019 Nations League. His record-breaking numbers stand as a testament to his extraordinary consistency and ability to perform at the highest level well into his fourth decade.
The announcement follows a tense period where Ronaldo walked out of the Portugal camp last month after being benched for the Nations League match against Denmark. While he emphasized that the decision was made with both mind and heart, the recent friction with the coaching staff underscored the complexities of his final years in the national setup. As he hands back the shirt, the football world prepares to say goodbye to the player who redefined what was possible for an international career.
Source: BBC Sport
