Ronaldo retires from international football after Portugal camp controversy

Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to a remarkable 23-year journey with Portugal. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner leaves as the country's record goalscorer and most-capped player.Ronaldo's Portugal career ended on a sour note after fallout with coach. (Photo: Reuters)New Delhi,Nov 5, 2026 16:19 ISTCristiano Ronaldo has brought the curtain down on his 23-year international career, announcing his retirement from Portugal through an emotional video shared on social media. The 41-year-old leaves behind a legacy of records, trophies and unforgettable moments, having worn the national team's iconic No. 7 shirt since making his debut in 2003.In his message to the Portuguese people, Ronaldo described the decision as one that was difficult to make, insisting that his journey with the national team had changed his life forever. He also reflected on the people who stood behind him throughout his career, saying that representing Portugal had always meant more than football.Portugal estar sempre em mim https://t.co/dnFj51rxmh— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) November 5, 2026"Today my journey on the pitch with the national team comes to an end. I leave with my head held high, proud of the path I walked and with the awareness that I gave everything I had for Portugal," Ronaldo said."The number 7 shirt stays, the pride of having worn it will be mine forever. Portugal will always be in me. Until always, Cristiano Ronaldo." The announcement comes after a turbulent period involving Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus. Ronaldo's departure from the national team camp in October had raised questions about his future, with the forward and his former Al Nassr manager publicly at odds over his role in the squad.THE CONTROVERSY BEHIND HIS EXITThe fallout began after Ronaldo was left on the bench during Portugal's Nations League victory over Norway. The forward claimed that Jesus had promised him 30 minutes of playing time before changing his mind, describing it as a breach of trust. Ronaldo subsequently left the training camp ahead of Portugal's match against Denmark. Jesus, meanwhile, denied that there had been any incident between them and maintained that team selection was his responsibility. Ronaldo later apologised to his team-mates and supporters for leaving the camp, while accepting that the Portuguese Football Federation could punish him.The latest announcement brings an end to a relationship that had spanned more than two decades and seen Ronaldo become the face of Portuguese football.CRISTIANO RONALDO'S PORTUGAL CAREER IN NUMBERSRonaldo made his senior debut against Kazakhstan in August 2003. He retires as the most-capped player and leading goalscorer in men's international football, with 146 goals in 234 appearances.His major achievements with Portugal include:Euro 2016: Led Portugal to their first European Championship title.Nations League 2019: Captained Portugal to the inaugural title.Nations League 2025: Helped Portugal win their second Nations League crown.International goals: 146, the most by any player in men's international football.International appearances: 234, a men's world record.World Cup record: Became the first player to score at six different editions of the tournament in 2026.Ronaldo's international chapter may be over, but his pursuit of another historic milestone continues. The Al Nassr forward is approaching 1,000 career goals, with his overall tally standing at 979 according to the latest available figures.Having spent 23 years chasing records in Portugal's colours, Ronaldo now leaves the national team with the No. 7 shirt passed on to the next generation, but his place in its history firmly secured.This is a developing story. It will be updated.- Ends