Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from Portugal’s national team in a video, ending a 23-year spell. The 41-year-old forward’s decision follows a dispute with coach Jorge Jesus and a suspension for leaving the national camp. His farewell arrived before the next squad announcement for matches against Denmark and Wales; he remains an Al Nassr player.
Cristiano Ronaldo used an Instagram video to announce that his time with Portugal’s national team had ended. The Al Nassr forward is 41 and has represented his country for 23 years. He said it was time to hand the number seven shirt to the next generation. His announcement came a day before coach Jorge Jesus was due to select players for the Nations League games against Denmark and Wales.[1], [2]
Ronaldo had argued with Jesus over his playing time. Portugal’s federation suspended him for 30 days after he left the national camp during the previous international window. He apologised to his teammates, but accused Jesus, who had previously coached him at Al Nassr, of breaking promises about his role. His final appearance was against Wales in Lisbon on 24 September; he stayed on the bench against Norway on 4 October.[1]
Portugal won the European Championship under Ronaldo’s captaincy in 2016 and the Nations League in 2019 and 2025. He appeared at his sixth World Cup this summer without winning the tournament. In his farewell, he thanked teammates and coaches and spoke about new generations of Portuguese players. The announcement concerned his international career, with his club football continuing at Al Nassr.[1]
