Cristiano Ronaldo Retires from International Football, Drawing Tributes from Across the Game
Portugal's all-time great Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football, prompting tributes from FIFA, his clubs and teammates after a career that began in 2003.
Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to a Portugal career that began with his senior debut against Kazakhstan in August 2003 and grew into one of the most celebrated in the sport's history. The forward confirmed the decision in a video shared on his social media accounts, stating that he would no longer represent the national team.
The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) paid warm tribute, calling him the country's greatest player of all time and praising his commitment to the national side. "Every drop of sweat, every decisive goal, and every captain's armband he wore with honor on the field reflected his unconditional love for our jersey," the federation said, adding that his influence extended beyond football by raising Portugal's international profile and inspiring a generation of young players.
Tributes also arrived from the wider football world. FIFA President Gianni Infantino joined Portugal players Bruno Fernandes, Diogo Dalot and Pepe, along with several clubs, in honoring the forward. His current club, Al Nassr of Saudi Arabia, described him as a global icon whose reach goes well beyond his home country. "It's not just a chapter; it's history you've shaped. You're an icon to the entire world, not just Portugal," the club said, noting that there was still more to achieve together at club level.
Former club Manchester United, where Ronaldo spent two spells, offered its congratulations on social media, writing: "Congratulations on an incredible international career." The messages reflect the scale of a career that made him a central figure in world football for two decades.
Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus said the decision was entirely Ronaldo's and that he had personally asked the veteran to keep playing. "We already had the opportunity to talk about this before the first call-up. I asked him to stay, to stay with me because I needed him to be by my side, but I have to accept his decision," Jesus told Canal 11.
Ronaldo leaves the international stage as one of the most decorated and recognizable figures in the game, with his departure marking the close of a defining era for Portugal. His club career continues at Al Nassr, where he remains a central part of the team's plans.
