Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football at 41, bringing his 23-year journey with Portugal to an end. Ronaldo has announced his decision to retire from international football following the November international break, he also said it was time to hand back the national team’s iconic No. 7 shirt.
His announcement has left fans wondering who will inherit the famous number. Portugal forward Rafael Leão has worn it recently, but the national team has yet to confirm a permanent successor.
Key Highlights
- Cristiano Ronaldo announced his international retirement on November 5, 2026.
- He leaves Portugal with 234 appearances and a record 146 international goals.
- His international career began in August 2003 and lasted more than a couple of decades.
- He helped Portugal win UEFA Euro 2016 and Nations League titles in 2019 and 2025.
- Ronaldo has said he is handing back the No. 7 shirt; no permanent replacement has been announced.
- He is expected to continue his club career with Saudi side Al-Nassr.
Why Has Cristiano Ronaldo Retired from International Football?
The decision follows a tense period involving Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus. Ronaldo was left on the bench during Portugal’s 2-1 win over Norway and subsequently left the national team camp ahead of the Denmark fixture.
Ronaldo later claimed that the coach had broken promises about his playing time, while Jesus denied that an agreement existed. Following his departure from the camp, the Portuguese Football Federation imposed a 30-day suspension and a €255 fine.
Although the disagreement added to questions about his future, Ronaldo described retirement as his personal decision. Jesus said he had asked the forward to stay but respected his choice.
Who Will Get Cristiano Ronaldo’s No. 7 Jersey?
The future of Portugal’s No. 7 shirt is one of the biggest talking points following the announcement. Ronaldo wore the number for 23 years and specifically referred to handing it back to the national team in his farewell statement.
Rafael Leão has already worn No. 7 for Portugal, including in the Nations League match against Denmark on October 1. However, that appearance does not mean he has been officially named Ronaldo’s permanent successor. Portugal has not announced who will inherit the number.
After Ronaldo’s long association with the number, its next regular wearer remains undecided.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal Career: Records and Achievements
Ronaldo made his senior international debut in August 2003 and went on to become Portugal’s most-capped player and all-time leading scorer. His 234 appearances and 146 goals are both men’s international records.
His biggest team achievement was Portugal’s UEFA Euro 2016 victory. He also captained the side to UEFA Nations League titles in 2019 and 2025.
Ronaldo featured in six FIFA World Cups, from 2006 to 2026, and became the first player to score in six different editions of the tournament. Portugal’s 2026 campaign ended in the round of 16 with a 1-0 defeat to eventual champions Spain.
Will Ronaldo Retire from Club Football Too?
No. Ronaldo’s announcement concerns only his international career with Portugal. He is continuing to play for Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr, meaning fans can still see him in club football.
His retirement closes a defining chapter in Portuguese football, but it does not mark the end of his professional playing career.
Portugal’s Next Chapter After the Ronaldo Era
Portugal now faces the challenge of moving forward without one of the most influential captains in its history. The team will need to build its next generation of leadership while deciding who takes responsibility for the iconic No. 7 shirt.
For Ronaldo, the decision marks the end of a remarkable international journey built on records, trophies, and more than two decades of representing his country.
