Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football, ending a 23-year career with Portugal. The 41-year-old forward, who holds the record for the most international goals in men’s history, confirmed his decision on Thursday following a fractured relationship with head coach Jorge Jesus during the current Nations League campaign.
Al-Nassr’s Goal Pursuit Alters Market Value
- International Depth Chart: Portugal’s tactical setup will undergo a significant transition following the retirement of Cristiano Ronaldo from international football.
- Club Valuation: With his international duties concluded, Ronaldo’s focus shifts entirely to Al-Nassr, where he is currently chasing his 1,000th career goal, potentially influencing his marketability for the remainder of the season.
The End of a Two-Decade Tactical Era
The announcement closes a chapter that began in August 2003, marking the end of a tenure that spanned six World Cups and secured a European Championship title. As reported by The Guardian, Ronaldo’s final appearance for the Seleção occurred on September 24 in a 1-0 Nations League victory over Wales. The relationship between the veteran captain and coach Jorge Jesus deteriorated shortly thereafter, with the manager opting to bench the star for subsequent fixtures.
❤️🩹🇵🇹 The end of a legendary era. Cristiano Ronaldo leaves Portugal with 146 goals in 234 games. pic.twitter.com/6CrLeQYZKP
The friction became public when Ronaldo left the team’s training camp after being informed he would not start in upcoming matches. ESPN noted that Ronaldo was an unused substitute for the first time in 18 years during Portugal’s 2-1 win over Norway on October 4. This disciplinary action, which included a fine of 255 euros, followed his abrupt departure from the team camp on September 30. While he had publicly apologized to teammates for walking out, he notably did not offer an apology to Jorge Jesus, whom he accused of failing to keep promises regarding his playing time.
Federation Honors Record-Breaking Career
Ronaldo exits the international stage with a staggering 146 goals in 234 appearances. The Portuguese Football Federation issued a statement of “deep gratitude and immense admiration,” acknowledging his role in raising the national profile. The federation plans to organize a tribute to allow fans to celebrate the player they describe as the greatest of all time.
2️⃣3️⃣4️⃣ caps. 1️⃣4️⃣6️⃣ goals. 3️⃣ major international honours. Only 1️⃣ @Cristiano 🐐
| Metric | Career Total |
|---|---|
| International Appearances | 234 |
| International Goals | 146 |
| Total Career Goals | 985 |
While the international career is over, the pursuit of individual milestones continues at the club level. Ronaldo will continue playing at club level and is expected to finish his career at the end of this season with Al-Nassr, where he is currently in pursuit of his 1,000th career goal.
Transitioning to the Stands
Ronaldo’s farewell message emphasized the emotional weight of the decision. “It was not an easy decision because some decisions are not made with the mind alone. They are also made with the heart,” he stated via social media. He explicitly noted that he would transition into a supporter, intending to watch Portugal’s progress from the stands rather than the pitch. In his reflection, he stated, “I’ve always been hard on myself. He also encouraged the next generation, noting, “Portugal will always need young people who dream, players who never give up, new generations who believe it’s possible to reach places no one has reached before.”
The timing of this departure aligns with changes in international soccer, following the recent retirement of his long-time rival, Lionel Messi, from the Argentina national team. As reported, the 30-day suspension imposed by the federation following his earlier exit from the camp has been followed by his permanent retirement from international football. Ronaldo thanked his teammates and coaches, stating: “No captain walks alone and you’re all part of my story.” Portugal now looks ahead to their upcoming Nations League group matches without their longtime captain, marking the start of a new, post-Ronaldo tactical reality for the national team.
Disclaimer: The fantasy and market insights provided are for informational and entertainment purposes only and do not constitute financial or betting advice.
Congratulations on an incredible international career, @Cristiano 🐐🇵🇹 Enjoy your retirement ❤️ pic.twitter.com/7TNh0YYE3X
Earlier coverage: Cristiano Ronaldo Retires from Portugal National Team After 23 Years
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❤️🇵🇹 Cristiano Ronaldo’s full letter to Portuguese fans. “To the Portuguese people, The day has come to hand back the shirt and the captain's armband of the national team that belongs to all of us. I never felt that it was exclusively mine, but for 23 years, I had the… pic.twitter.com/rw1BazGAC3”
