Ronaldo retires from international football after 23 years and 146 goals for Portugal

Cristiano Ronaldo has retired from international football, bringing the curtain down on a 23-year Portugal career that produced 146 goals in 234 appearances — the most by any player in the history of the international game.

The 41-year-old forward’s departure follows a turbulent exit from the Portugal camp during last month’s international break, in which Ronaldo cited “broken promises” with new national team manager Jorge Jesus as his reason for leaving the squad early.

Ronaldo made his senior Portugal debut in 2003 and went on to become the undisputed record-holder for international goals, surpassing the previous mark and extending it to a figure that may stand for generations. He captained Portugal to their first major international trophy at Euro 2016 and added the inaugural UEFA Nations League title in 2019.

His relationship with the national setup had grown increasingly complicated in the final chapter of his international career. The public dispute with Jorge Jesus — who took charge of Portugal following Roberto Martínez’s departure — appears to have been the decisive factor in his decision to step away.

Ronaldo continues to play club football for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, where he remains one of the most prolific scorers in the Saudi Pro League. Whether his retirement from international duty is permanent or leaves any door open remains to be seen, but the statement of intent marks a formal end to one of sport’s most decorated international careers.