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Cristiano Ronaldo announces retirement from Portugal after 23 years
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- Cristiano Ronaldo announces retirement from Portugal after 23 years
Cristiano Ronaldo announces retirement from Portugal after 23 years
Cristiano Ronaldo 's remarkable story with Portugal has reached its final chapter. The 41-year-old has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to an extraordinary 23-year career wearing his country's famous number 7 shirt.
In an emotional video message shared on social media, Ronaldo confirmed his decision, saying: "Today, the time has come to pass it on to the future. It was not an easy decision."
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The forward finishes his international career with 234 appearances and 146 goals, making him Portugal's most-capped player and all-time leading scorer. He also holds the world record for goals in men's international football.
Ronaldo made his debut in 2003 under Luiz Felipe Scolari and quickly became one of the country's most important players. His first major tournament was Euro 2004, where Portugal reached the final, but his greatest moment came 12 years later in France, when he helped the nation win its first European Championship.
He also lifted two Nations League trophies, in 2019 and 2025, cementing his place in Portuguese football history.
His farewell follows a turbulent period involving head coach Jorge Jesus, although Ronaldo has not confirmed the disagreement as the reason behind his decision.
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After more than two decades, countless records and three major international titles, one of football's greatest careers at international level has finally come to an end. Portugal will now have to move forward without the player who defined an entire generation.
