Cristiano Ronaldo Retires from Portugal: Career Statistics and Achievements

Cristiano Ronaldo has retired from the Portugal national team. On 5 November 2026, the 41-year-old forward announced his departure from the national side after representing his country for 23 years. During that time, he made 234 appearances, scored 146 goals and won three international trophies. The Portuguese star leaves the national team as the world record holder for men's international appearances and goals. We look back at the main stages of his career, his most important victories and the achievements that have become part of football history.

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Why Cristiano Ronaldo Retired from Portugal

Ronaldo announced his retirement from international football on social media. He posted a farewell video in which he thanked supporters and recalled his years with the national team. He described the decision as difficult, stressing that representing Portugal had always held special meaning for him.

Cristiano acknowledged that it was time to pass the number seven shirt to the next generation. According to the forward, his many years with the national team gave him far more than sporting achievements. What remains are memories of the people, shared victories, difficult defeats and the support of millions of Portuguese fans.

Ronaldo's decision came after a difficult period with the national team. In late September, he left the Portugal camp amid disagreements with head coach Jorge Jesus. The tension arose over the forward's playing time after he remained on the bench for a Nations League match against Norway.

In early October, Ronaldo explained his position in detail. He voiced dissatisfaction with the coaching staff's decisions but stressed that he had no intention of giving up playing for Portugal. A month later, the situation changed: he officially announced the end of his international career.

Nevertheless, it would be wrong to link the retirement directly to the dispute. In his farewell message, Cristiano did not give a specific reason for his decision.

Ronaldo's Last Match for Portugal

Cristiano Ronaldo last took the field for Portugal on 24 September 2026. That day, Portugal hosted Wales in the UEFA Nations League and won 1–0.

Ronaldo started the match but did not register a goal or assist. The forward was substituted in the 67th minute. At the time, no one could say for certain that it would be the final appearance of his international career. In the next game against Norway, Cristiano remained on the bench. He subsequently left the national team camp.

Ronaldo's Portugal National Team Statistics

All of Ronaldo's Trophies with Portugal

For most of his career, Ronaldo was Portugal's principal leader, but the first major tournaments brought him no titles. The national team regularly reached the decisive stages yet could not take the final step for many years.

At Euro 2004 on home soil, Portugal reached the final but unexpectedly lost 1–0 to Greece. Two years later, they finished fourth at the World Cup in Germany. At Euro 2012, Portugal went out in the semi-finals, losing to Spain on penalties.

The first major breakthrough came in 2016. At the European Championship in France, Portugal advanced from their group with three draws before beating Croatia, Poland and Wales in succession. The hosts awaited them in the final.

For Ronaldo, the decisive match was dramatic. He suffered an injury in the first half and was forced to leave the pitch. His teammates took the contest into extra time, where Éder scored the winning goal. Portugal became European champions for the first time.

Portugal won their next trophy in 2019. In the inaugural UEFA Nations League, they defeated Switzerland in the semi-final before beating the Netherlands in the final. Ronaldo scored a hat-trick in the semi-final and made a major contribution to the national team's triumph.

In 2025, Portugal repeated the achievement by winning the Nations League again. Cristiano scored against Spain in the final, and his team went on to win the penalty shootout.

Cristiano Ronaldo's National Team Records

Over 23 years with the national team, Cristiano Ronaldo set numerous records that secured his unique place in football history. The Portuguese forward became the world leader in international appearances and goals, scored at six World Cups and left a lasting mark on the history of the European Championships.

Among Ronaldo's greatest achievements are:

• 146 international goals — the highest total in the history of men's international football.
• 234 international appearances — the world record for matches played.
• Goals at six World Cups — Cristiano scored at the 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022 and 2026 tournaments.
• Most goals in World Cup qualifying — the highest total among men's international players.
• Most goals in European Championship qualifying — Ronaldo has scored more often than any other player in Euro qualification.
• Scoring for the national team in 22 consecutive years — a measure of remarkable consistency and longevity.
• All-time leading scorer at the European Championships — 14 goals in the final tournaments.
• Most European Championship appearances — 30 matches in the final tournaments.
• Portugal's all-time leading scorer — 146 goals.
• Portugal's leading assist provider — the national team's record holder for assists.
• Portugal's most-capped player — 234 appearances.
• Portugal's leading World Cup scorer — the most goals at the tournament among Portuguese players.
• Portugal's leading European Championship scorer — 14 goals.

Many of these records reflect not only his scoring ability but also the length of his career. Ronaldo remained an important national team player for more than two decades, competed at major tournaments across different eras and continued scoring after turning 40. This combination of consistency and productivity made him one of the most successful footballers in history.