Cristiano Ronaldo retires from Portugal national team after 234 caps and 146 goals

Cristiano Ronaldo, 41, ended his international career on Thursday, about a month after storming out of the Portuguese squad amid a dispute with head coach Jorge Jesus, according to RMC Sport. Foot Mercato and TV5Monde, which carries an AFP dispatch, give the same totals: 234 caps and 146 goals.

A message posted on Instagram

According to AFP, the striker announced his decision in a video posted on his Instagram account.

The break with Jorge Jesus

Also according to AFP, Ronaldo had left the training camp on 30 September, the day before a match in Copenhagen against Denmark. He later apologised and received a symbolic punishment: a 30-day suspension and a fine of 255 euros. The Federation had left the door open for his return by including him among about fifty players provisionally called up to face Denmark in Braga on 14 November, then Wales in Cardiff three days later.

AFP reports that the player expressed regret over his behaviour towards the fans and his teammates, but that he spent a long time criticising Jorge Jesus for betraying his trust. He spoke 24 hours before the coach unveiled his final squad for these two Nations League matches.

The final tournament and the Federation's tribute

At the 2026 World Cup, according to AFP, Ronaldo became the first player to score at six World Cups. Portugal were nonetheless knocked out in the round of 16 by Spain (1-0), who went on to win the tournament.

In a statement quoted by Foot Mercato, the Portuguese Football Federation thanked the man it calls its captain for all time. It writes that he carried the country on his shoulders and inspired generations of young people. It adds that, for many, he is "the best player of all time." The statement also says the Federation refuses to let this farewell pass without a tribute.