Mourinho Hails Ronaldo's International Retirement, Says Player's Career Unfinished

José Mourinho spoke on Friday to comment on Cristiano Ronaldo’s international retirement, which came after 24 years wearing the Portugal shirt and a cycle’s end marked by a missed World Cup and a chaotic exit from the Nations League.

The manager, who led CR7 for three seasons at Real Madrid, chose his words carefully. “His decision must be respected, and I respect it. He has not finished his career. Those who know him know he still has objectives, and the only thing I would like to say is that when he retires as a footballer, it will be a different day.” Asked about a possible future for Ronaldo on the sidelines, Mourinho dodged the question: “I don’t know what to say. It’s still too early.”

At 41, Ronaldo leaves the Portuguese national team with a historic record: 234 caps, an absolute record for the number of international appearances, and 146 goals, making him the all-time leading scorer in international football. In terms of trophies, he delivered Portugal its three first international titles — Euro 2016, then the Nations League in 2019 and 2025.

The decision was announced after a turbulent end to his cycle. Ronaldo had missed Portugal’s qualification for the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup after a quarter-final elimination, then experienced a tense exit during the last Nations League gathering, where his non-appearance fuelled speculation about his international future.

While Mourinho insists that Ronaldo’s football chapter is not yet closed — the player still plays in Saudi Arabia with Al-Nassr — it is indeed a major chapter in Portuguese football history that closes with this international retirement.