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Cristiano Ronaldo ends 23-year career with Portugal
Cristiano Ronaldo has officially announced his retirement from the Portuguese National Team, bringing a definitive end to a career that began in August 2003. The forward, who holds the world record with 234 international caps and 146 goals, confirmed his departure via Instagram, stating that while the decision was difficult, the time had come to “deliver to the future.” In a video message, he thanked his teammates for “each run, for each hug, for each argument, for each silence before entering the field,” and noted that he saw migrants and millions of people in his journey rather than just trophies.
The announcement arrives on the eve of a squad reveal by national team manager Jorge Jesus. According to Observador, the federation had planned to include Ronaldo in the upcoming Nations League matches against Denmark and Wales. Despite clear communication from the player to FPF president Pedro Proença that he did not wish to return at this time, Jorge Jesus maintained that he would continue to call upon the captain as long as he remained physically fit. Behind the scenes, news of the impending announcement began circulating shortly after 10 a.m. on Thursday, with insiders suggesting “a bomb” was about to go off within the Portuguese Football Federation.
Jorge Jesus reacts to the captain’s departure
Speaking to Canal 11, Jorge Jesus confirmed that he attempted to persuade the forward to continue his international career. “I asked him to continue, to continue with me because I needed him to be by my side, but I have to accept his decision,” the manager said. Jesus characterized the choice as one made entirely by the player. The manager noted that they had discussed the matter prior to the first call-up of the cycle.
The relationship between the two had been the subject of recent speculation. Record reported that the pair had exchanged “intense messages” following a previous, controversial departure from a national team training camp in late September. While Ronaldo had previously suggested in a formal statement that he would remain available for selection following the completion of any disciplinary suspensions, he opted to step down rather than face the prospect of refusing a formal call-up.
Jorge Jesus reacts to Cristiano Ronaldo’s retirement from Portugal: ‘I asked him to continue’ https://t.co/cODa5hfmw7
A legacy honored at the Cidade do Futebol
To mark the conclusion of a tenure that included titles at Euro 2016 and the UEFA Nations League in 2019 and 2025, Jorge Jesus has ordered a permanent tribute within the federation’s headquarters. A large image of the former captain has been installed in the team’s auditorium. “I ordered a large image of him placed in the auditorium so that all the young people, and not only them, but the colleagues we have there every day, have his reference present,” Jesus explained. The manager highlighted that the 41-year-old forward was a “world reference,” a symbol of Portugal, and a figure who holds an intergenerational impact, noting he had worked with the player for a year at Al Nassr.
In a video message released through Grêmio, where he serves as technical coordinator, Scolari stated that the forward “made the right decision” and remains a player that “Portugal will never forget.” Scolari, who also managed the team during the Euro 2004 final, praised Ronaldo not just as a footballer but as a human being with a capacity above average.
Questions regarding the transition
Why did Cristiano Ronaldo decide to step down now?
The player indicated in a public statement that the decision was not solely a logical one, noting that he had reached a point where he felt it was time to hand over the number 7 jersey. Observador reports that the move avoids a potential standoff, as the player had expressed a desire not to return to the squad immediately following his departure from the September training camp.
What were the primary achievements of his national career?
Over 23 years, Ronaldo earned 234 international caps and scored 146 goals. His tenure included winning the 2016 European Championship and two UEFA Nations League titles, the latter coming in 2019 and 2025.
How did the national team setup respond to his exit?
Manager Jorge Jesus publicly acknowledged the player as a “world reference” and a symbol for Portuguese youth. The federation has moved to immortalize his presence within their facilities by placing a large portrait in the team auditorium to serve as a reference for future generations. Jesus emphasized that the forward will “always be in the hearts of the Portuguese” and that his influence is indelible.
More on Jorge Jesus
🚨 Jorge Jesus On Cristiano Ronaldo's international retirement and his biggest regret: 🗣️ “The way I treated Cristiano Ronaldo during the final chapter of his international career is something I will regret for the rest of my life. “I personally pleaded with him to consider… pic.twitter.com/CcbNfpJ3wt””
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