Cristiano Ronaldo ends Portugal career with 146 goals

Cristiano Ronaldo announced his retirement from international football on Thursday, ending a Portugal career that began in August 2003. The 41-year-old forward made 234 appearances and scored 146 goals for his country, with his goal tally a world record.

Ronaldo confirmed the decision in a video posted on Instagram. It came a month after a dispute with national coach Jorge Jesus, who had refused to play him in a Nations League match.

A long career with Portugal

“To the Portuguese people, the day has come for me to hand back the number seven shirt of our national team,” Ronaldo said in the video, which showed images from his career. He described wearing the shirt as both a privilege and a responsibility over 23 years.

Ronaldo’s international career began in August 2003. Its highlight was Portugal’s European Championship victory in France in 2016, although an injury forced him off the field during the final.

He also played at this year’s World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Ronaldo scored three goals, but Portugal went out in the Round of 16 against eventual winners Spain.

A decision after a dispute

Last month, Ronaldo fell out with Jesus after the coach refused to play him in a Nations League match. The forward immediately left the team camp and received a 30-day suspension.

There had been rumours that Ronaldo intended to return to the international side. Instead, his video confirmed that his time with Portugal was over. Ronaldo said the choice had not been easy: “Some decisions are not made with the mind alone — they are also made with the heart.”

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner reflected on the length of his international career as he announced his departure. “A journey that began in August 2003 and changed my life forever has come to an end,” he said.

The number seven shirt passes on

Ronaldo said he had never felt that Portugal’s number seven shirt belonged to him alone. “Today the time has come to pass it on to the future,” he said.

His announcement closes an international career spanning 23 years, 234 appearances and 146 goals. It also settles the question of a possible return to the Portugal team following last month’s dispute: Ronaldo has said he is ending his international career.