Cristiano Ronaldo Retires from International Football After 23 Years with Portugal

Cristiano Ronaldo Ends 23-Year International Career With Portugal

Cristiano Ronaldo announced his retirement from international football on Thursday, ending a 23-year career with the Portugal national team that yielded a European Championship title and two world records. The 41-year-old Al-Nassr forward departs the Seleção with 234 appearances and 146 goals.

The day has arrived to return the No. 7 shirt of our selection to everyone, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner said in a video published on Instagram. I am ending a path that began in August 2003 and changed my life forever. After making his international debut in August 2003 at 18 and a half years old, he began a journey that included over two decades representing his country.

Cristiano Ronaldo RETIRES from International Football for Portugal

Following that departure, the player received a 30-day suspension and a 255-euro fine. While the Portuguese Football Federation indicated an openness to his return, the forward elected not to rejoin the squad.

Tributes followed the announcement from across the Portuguese sports and political establishments. The Portuguese Football Federation thanked its former captain, describing him as the ultimate symbol of the team’s spirit, and announced plans to organize a tribute for his career. Prime Minister Luis Montenegro wrote that the player’s contributions on the pitch would resonate for eternity.

Cristiano Ronaldo Retires from International Football After 23 Years with Portugal — Photo: rfi.fr

Ronaldo’s international career included captaining Portugal to victory at Euro 2016 in France, where he was forced off injured in the first half of the final before Eder secured a 1-0 win in extra time against France. He later captained the side to titles in the inaugural UEFA Nations League in 2019 and again in 2025. At the 2026 World Cup, his final major international tournament, he became the first player to score in six different World Cups before Portugal was eliminated in the round of 16 by eventual champion Spain. Reflecting on his achievements, he stated, I won Euro 2016 and, for me, that is as important as the World Cup. That will stay forever.

Marseille and Monaco Secure Wins in European Football Matches

Alongside the major international football news, several other sporting events took place across Europe and at the Rolex Paris Masters. In the Europa League, Olympique de Marseille restarted their campaign by winning 1-0 away against Bayer Leverkusen through a goal by Amine Gouiri, while Olympique Lyonnais secured a 1-1 draw away to Real Sociedad with an equalizing goal from captain Corentin Tolisso. In the Europa Conference League, AS Monaco claimed a third victory in three matches by defeating Danish side Nordsjælland 2-0. In the EuroLeague, Paris Basketball defeated Anadolu Efes 95-90, led by Nadir Hifi with 28 points and 9 assists, while ASVEL lost 95-99 to Bayern Munich. Finally, at the Rolex Paris Masters, Arthur Fils was eliminated in the round of 16 by Taylor Fritz with scores of 6-3, 6-4, alongside defeats for compatriots Quentin Halys and Arthur Rinderknech, leaving Luca Van Assche as the only French player to qualify for the quarterfinals following his victory over Lorenzo Musetti 7-5, 3-6, 6-4.