Ronaldo ends Portugal career at 41

Cristiano Ronaldo announced on Thursday that he will not play for the Portugal national team again. The 41-year-old striker ended a career that spanned six World Cups. He also claimed a European championship and holds the all-time record for international goals in men's football.

Ronaldo posted a video message on his Instagram account. He said, 'For the Portuguese people, the day has come to return the number 7 shirt of our national team.' He added that he never felt the shirt belonged only to him. He described wearing it as a privilege and a responsibility over 23 years.

He stated that he carried the jersey to stadiums around the world. The announcement came after the Portuguese Football Federation's Disciplinary Council sanctioned him. He received a 30-day suspension and a fine of 255 euros. That amount is the minimum set by the regulations. The penalty followed his departure from the team camp on September 30.

Ronaldo won the 2016 Euro and the UEFA Nations League in 2019 and 2025. He is the top scorer in men's international football history with 146 goals. He also holds the record for most international appearances with 234 matches. He leads the Euro all-time scoring charts with 14 goals.

He reached the semifinals at the 2006 World Cup in Germany. Portugal finished in fourth place in that tournament. He never won a World Cup title. He is from Madeira and has represented Portugal for 23 years.