Portuguese football icon Cristiano Ronaldo has reportedly announced his retirement from international football, bringing his 23-year journey with the Portugal national team to an end.
The 41-year-old forward made the announcement on Thursday through an emotional video shared on his Instagram account, where he delivered a farewell message to supporters.
In his statement, Ronaldo reflected on the significance of wearing Portugal’s famous number 7 jersey, saying he was finally ready to hand it over after more than two decades of representing his country.
“The day has come for me to hand back the number 7 shirt of our national team,” he said.
He added that although the shirt never belonged to him alone, wearing it for 23 years had been both a privilege and a responsibility.
Ronaldo leaves behind an extraordinary international record, having made 234 appearances for Portugal and scored 146 goals, making him the country’s most-capped player and leading international goalscorer.
One of the defining moments of his international career came in 2016, when he captained Portugal to its first-ever European Championship title.
He also helped the national team win the UEFA Nations League in 2019 and 2025, further cementing his place in Portuguese football history.
His reported retirement marks the end of a remarkable chapter for a player whose achievements have made him one of the most influential figures in international football.
