It's the end of an era! Football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has officially announced his retirement from international football, bringing an emotional end to a remarkable 23-year journey representing Portugal.
The 41-year-old made the announcement through a heartfelt video shared on social media, revealing that the time had come to hand over Portugal's iconic number 7 shirt to the next generation.
"Today, the time has come to pass it on to the future. It was not an easy decision because some decisions are not made with the mind alone. They are also made with the heart", Ronaldo shared.
What a journey it has been! Since making his international debut in August 2003, Ronaldo has made 234 appearances for Portugal, scoring an incredible 146 goals. The achievement makes him the highest-scoring men's international footballer in history.
His time with the national team saw him achieve some unforgettable milestones, including captaining Portugal to their first-ever European Championship title in 2016. He also helped the country lift the UEFA Nations League trophy in 2019 and again in 2025.
Ronaldo's international career also saw him make history at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, becoming the first men's player to score at six different editions of the tournament.
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However, his final chapter with Portugal has not been without controversy. His retirement announcement comes weeks after a reported disagreement with national team coach Jorge Jesus, following Ronaldo's frustration over being left on the bench during a Nations League fixture. The incident saw him leave the national team's training camp.
Despite the difficult ending, Ronaldo made it clear that his pride in representing his country would never fade, thanking his teammates, coaches, family and Portuguese supporters who stood by him throughout the years.
While Portugal will have to adjust to life without their legendary captain, fans can still catch him in action at club level, where he continues to represent Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr.
One thing is certain: the number 7 shirt may be passed on, but Ronaldo's legacy in international football will be difficult to replace.
Football fans, 23 years, 146 goals and countless unforgettable moments later, how do we even begin to say goodbye to CR7?
