Cristiano Ronaldo retires from Portugal national team

(WCMH) – Cristiano Ronaldo has decided he has played his last game for the Portugal national team.

The 41-year-old released a video letter on Thursday morning announcing his international retirement after scoring a record 146 goals for Portugal in a record 255 games for his country.

“It was not an easy decision, because some decisions are not made with the head alone. They are also made with the heart,” Ronaldo said. “I am bringing to an end a journey that began in August 2003 and changed my life forever.”

The soccer star, a native of the small island of Madeira, played his first game for Portugal on Aug. 20, 2003, against Kazakhstan and his last on Sept. 27, 2026, against Norway. Between those games is a legacy unlike any other in sports.

Ronaldo, nicknamed CR7, led the European nation to its first major international trophy in 2016 at the UEFA Euros. Despite leaving the final against France injured, Ronaldo was the first to lift the trophy after a 1-0 win in extra time. Portugal also won two UEFA Nations League titles with Ronaldo as the captain in 2019 and 2025. His 14 goals across six Euro tournaments are the most of all time.

While CR7 never lifted a World Cup trophy, he is the only man to score at six different World Cups with 11 goals across those tournaments. His first was a penalty against Iran in the 2006 group stage, with his last coming in 2026 from a penalty against Croatia in the Round of 32. He also represented his country at the 2004 Olympics in Athens.

Ronaldo is still continuing his club career with Saudi team Al Nassr and announced his international retirement less than one week after scoring a hattrick against Al Kholood. He has seven goals this season for Al Nassr.

Portugal will continue life without Ronaldo in this year’s Nations League as it looks to defend its 2025 title. The first tournament Portugal will play without Ronaldo is the 2028 Euros before the nation is a co-host for the 2030 FIFA World Cup.