At 41, Ronaldo retires from Portugal national team, ending legendary career there after 23 years
A farewell to Portugal
Ronaldo announced his decision in a lengthy video message posted on social media. He said the moment had arrived to return Portugal’s No. 7 shirt, which he had worn for 23 years.
He described the shirt as something he had the privilege and duty to wear, defend and take into stadiums around the world. His Portugal career included six World Cups and a European championship.
His final match
Ronaldo’s last outing for Portugal came on Sept. 24, when the team beat Wales 1-0 in the Nations League. The article says Lionel Messi’s Argentina career ended with a much-anticipated farewell match the previous month. The Portuguese soccer federation thanked Ronaldo for his service, saying he had raised the country’s profile and inspired young people. It also called him, in its statement, “the greatest player of all time!”
Club career continues
Retirement from Portugal does not mean Ronaldo is stopping his playing career. Like Messi, he will continue at club level and is expected to end his club career with Saudi Arabia’s Al-Nassr at the end of this season. Bloomberg reported in October 2025 that Ronaldo became the first athlete in his sport to reach billionaire status.
Key points
- Ronaldo announced Thursday that he will no longer play for Portugal.
- His final Portugal appearance was a 1-0 win over Wales on Sept. 24.
- He is expected to keep playing for Al-Nassr through the end of this season.