Cristiano Ronaldo announces retirement from international football

Summary

Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football. In a long video message on social media, the 41-year-old told the Portuguese people that "the day has come for me to hand back the No. 7 shirt of our national team," according to Euronews, and Al Jazeera reports he said it in a social media post. The Guardian reports that the announcement ends an international career that began more than two decades ago, before Euro 2004, spanned six World Cups, included a European title and the men's all-time scoring record, and totalled 234 caps and 146 goals for Portugal, and that it finished with him walking out on the national team after falling out with coach Jorge Jesus. Deutsche Welle reports that the announcement comes just weeks after a public spat with Portugal coach Jorge Jesus over playing time. Sky News, France 24 and the BBC also report the retirement announcement. The available reports give no further detail.

Timeline

1. Sky News

   5 Nov 2026, 10:30 UTCSource ↗

   Sky News reports that Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football.

2. The Guardian

   5 Nov 2026, 10:42 UTCSource ↗

   The Guardian reports that Ronaldo has announced he will no longer play for Portugal, ending an international career of 234 caps and 146 goals, and that he will 'hand back the No 7 shirt'.

3. France 24

   5 Nov 2026, 10:48 UTCSource ↗

   France 24 reports that football legend Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his international retirement.

4. Al Jazeera

   5 Nov 2026, 10:57 UTCSource ↗

   Al Jazeera reports that the 41-year-old Portuguese legend says he will 'hand back the number 7 shirt' in a social media post.

5. Euronews

   5 Nov 2026, 11:05 UTCSource ↗

   Euronews reports that Ronaldo, 41, announced his retirement from international football in a long video message on social media, saying the day had come to hand back the No. 7 shirt of the national team.

6. Deutsche Welle

   5 Nov 2026, 11:52 UTCSource ↗

   Deutsche Welle reports that the retirement announcement comes just weeks after a public spat with Portugal coach Jorge Jesus over playing time.

7. BBC

   5 Nov 2026, 12:28 UTCSource ↗

   The BBC reports that Ronaldo says "the day has come for me to hand back the number seven shirt" as he retires from international football.