Cristiano Ronaldo announced on Thursday, November 5, 2026, that he intends to end his Portugal national-team career after 23 years. The Ronaldo retirement announcement came in a social-media video in which the 41-year-old said he would hand back the No. 7 shirt after the November international break. He has not announced plans to stop playing for Saudi club Al-Nassr.

For fans of CR7, the news ends a defining chapter rather than his entire playing career. The message also leaves one question unresolved: whether he will appear in either of Portugal's remaining November international matches.

Cristiano Ronaldo: Retirement Decision, 234 Caps and 146 Goals

Reuters reported that the forward called his decision emotional and thanked the Portuguese public, his family and those who worked with him across more than two decades. His message expressed pride in representing his country but did not provide a confirmed final-match date. UEFA records 234 senior appearances and 146 goals, the men's world records in both categories. His journey began with a friendly against Kazakhstan on August 20, 2003, when he was 18. The numbers document not only longevity but a goalscoring record sustained across six World Cup tournaments and several generations of Portugal teammates.

The timing has been debated because the latest announcement refers to handing over the shirt after November's international break. That does not, by itself, guarantee another appearance, or mean his already announced decision has been withdrawn.

A World Cup Exit and a Disagreement With Portugal's Coach

Portugal were eliminated by Spain in the round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup on July 6, 2026. Cristiano Ronaldo had already said that tournament would be his last World Cup, but at that point he had left the wider question of international retirement open.

The following months brought a separate dispute. After being left on the bench against Norway in September, he left Portugal's camp before a fixture in Denmark and criticised coach Jorge Jesus. Portuguese football authorities later imposed a 30-day suspension and a €255 fine. He apologised and had previously said he wanted to remain available to play; that October stance predates Thursday's announcement. His most recent appearance was the 1-0 win over Wales on September 24. Reporting should not label it his definite last cap until the November squad and fixtures establish whether he plays again.

Three Major Trophies Across 23 Years

CR7 captained Portugal to the European Championship title in 2016, when the team defeated France in the final. He also contributed to victories in the UEFA Nations League in 2019 and 2025. These were major achievements for Portugal, though they do not mean he won the FIFA World Cup: that trophy remained beyond the side during his international career.

The record of his international matches reflects a player who moved from a teenage winger into a prolific central goalscorer. Portugal now faces the longer-term task of defining an attack without the forward who has worn its No. 7 shirt for more than two decades.

Did Ronaldo Retire From Club Football?

For anyone asking "did Ronaldo retire", the answer depends on the competition. Thursday's announcement concerns only the Portugal national side. He remains an Al-Nassr player, and there has been no corresponding announcement about ending his club career. Portugal's scheduled Nations League games are against Denmark on November 14 and Wales on November 17. The coach's squad decisions and the player's own plans will determine whether either becomes a farewell appearance; no participation should be promised in advance.

The Ronaldo retirement news is therefore historic for the national team, without amounting to a complete exit from football. Cristiano Ronaldo leaves behind international records and three senior trophies with Portugal; supporters should look for an official squad announcement before treating a November match as his final outing.