Cristiano Ronaldo brings Portugal career to an end after 23 years

The 41-year-old confirmed his decision on Thursday, saying he would hand over the famous number seven shirt after the November international break.

"To the Portuguese people, the day has come for me to hand back the number seven shirt of our national team," Ronaldo said in a video message posted on Instagram.

"I never felt it belonged to me alone, but for 23 years I had the privilege and the responsibility of wearing it, defending it and carrying it with me into stadiums all around the world."

Ronaldo admitted the decision was difficult, but believes the time has come for the next generation to take over.

"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 â- they are also made with the heart," he said.

His international journey began in August 2003 and produced an extraordinary 234 appearances and 146 goals, making him the leading goalscorer and most-capped player in men's international football.

His greatest achievement came in 2016 when he captained Portugal to their first European Championship title. He also helped them win the Nations League in 2019 and 2025.

"Today I finish my walk on the pitch with the national team. I leave with my head held high, with pride in the path I took, and with the awareness that I gave everything I had for Portugal," he added.

"The goals pass, the cups are in museums, the records end up being beaten. But there is something that time can never erase, the place we occupy in people's hearts."

Ronaldo ended his emotional farewell by thanking the Portuguese supporters for their belief in him. "Portugal will always be in me. Forever."

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