Cristiano Ronaldo Retires
Cristiano Ronaldo announced his retirement from the Portugal national team on November 5, 2026, ending a 23-year career with the Selecao das Quinas, detikHealth reported.
The 41-year-old forward walks away as international football’s record appearance maker with 234 caps and its all-time leading scorer with 146 goals.
Physical Demands and Aging
Sports scientists note that biological aging directly diminishes muscle explosiveness, which is the ability to generate force quickly. According to Dr. Paul Hough from the University of Westminster in a report by The Guardian and cited by detikHealth, this specific fitness quality suffers the steepest decline as athletes age.
That loss affects high-intensity soccer actions such as sprinting, sudden changes of direction, jumping, and chasing down loose balls. Maximal oxygen consumption, cardiac output, and joint flexibility also gradually drop over time, while recovery periods lengthen and injuries require more time to heal.
Ronaldo continues club career with Al Nassr while maintaining high net worth
Ronaldo has not hung up his boots entirely. He plans to continue his professional club career with Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr, detikHealth reported.
Forbes data from November 2026 places Ronaldo’s net worth at US$1,2 miliar, making him one of the wealthiest athletes globally and the highest-paid soccer player with earnings estimated at US$300 juta for the 2026-2027 season, according to CNBC Indonesia.
Tributes and Reactions
Sporting Lisbon supporters honored their former player during a match against Moreirense by standing and applauding in the seventh minute, referencing his iconic jersey number.
Meanwhile, Dutch airline Transavia payed tribute by removing seat number 7C on flights operating to Funchal, Madeira, Ronaldo’s birthplace, as reported by CNN Indonesia.
Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho pushed back against the retirement narrative, stating that Ronaldo’s career remains active and his decisions deserve respect, according to KOMPAS.com.
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Why Ronaldo retired and his potential farewell match
Why did Cristiano Ronaldo retire from international football?
Ronaldo announced his departure on November 5, 2026, following a turbulent period that included a dispute with Portugal coach Jorge Jesus, a departure from the training camp, and a subsequent suspension by the Portuguese Football Federation, as reported by CNN Indonesia.
Will Ronaldo play a farewell match with Portugal?
The Portuguese Football Federation intends to arrange a farewell match to honor his 23-year career, though reports indicate Ronaldo has declined participation while Jorge Jesus remains national team coach, according to CNN Indonesia.
What was Ronaldo’s final match for Portugal?
His final appearance for the national team took place on September 24, 2026, when Portugal defeated Wales 1-0 during a UEFA Nations League fixture in Lisbon.
How much does Ronaldo earn at Al Nassr?
Forbes estimates his earnings from the Saudi Pro League club reach US$300 juta for the 2026-2027 season, according to CNBC Indonesia.
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