A "bombshell" in the world of soccer!
Cristiano Ronaldo announced his retirement from the Portuguese national team, bringing an end to a legendary 23-year career wearing his country’s jersey.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
The 41-year-old superstar didn’t wait for Jorge Jesus to announce his roster selections; on Thursday morning, he shared his decision on social media, accompanying his post with a simple yet deeply emotional message: “Portugal will always be in my heart.”
Thus ends one of the most significant chapters in the history of international soccer. Ronaldo is retiring from the national team having made 234 appearances and scored 146 goals, while celebrating three major titles: the unforgettable Euro 2016 and two Nations League championships.
His career with the national team began on August 20, 2003, when, at just 18 years old, he made his debut as a substitute against Kazakhstan. His first international goal came less than a year later, at Euro 2004 against Greece.
From that point on, Ronaldo became the face of the Portuguese national team for more than two decades.
In 2006, he played in his first World Cup, and in 2007, he wore the captain’s armband for the first time. At Euro 2012, he led Portugal to the semifinals, before the big dream of 2016 came true.
In the final in Paris against France, he was injured early on and was forced to leave the game, but he watched as his teammates prevailed 1-0 in extra time and gave Portugal the first major title in its history.
Three years later came their first Nations League title, and in 2025, Ronaldo lifted that trophy for the second time with the national team.
In the meantime, he had broken nearly every major record at the national team level. He became the first male soccer player to reach 200 international appearances, the first to score in five different Euros, and later the first to find the back of the net in six World Cups.
At the 2026 World Cup, he scored two goals against Uzbekistan, bringing his total to ten in World Cup finals, surpassing Eusébio’s previous Portuguese record. He then scored for the first time in a World Cup knockout match, against Croatia.
The final months of his time on the national team were marked by tension in his relationship with Jorge Jesus. After the World Cup, he had seriously considered retiring, but was persuaded to continue. This was followed by a disagreement with the national team coach, his departure from a training camp, and the resulting disciplinary case.
*photo source: AP
