The end of an era. At last, the news that nobody was expecting has arrived. Cristiano Ronaldo has retired from the Portuguese national team.

The 5-time Ballon d'Or winner posted a message on social media and said “goodbye” at the age of 41:

“The day has come to hand the number 7 shirt back to the national team that belongs to us all. I never felt it was exclusively mine, but for 23 years I had the privilege and responsibility of wearing it. Today the time has come to hand it over; it was not an easy decision. Throughout my entire career, I’ve wanted to win, to be the best and to make history. I’ve never stopped feeling proud to represent Portugal. Thank you for everything; you are part of my story.”

The Portugal captain leaves behind more than two decades of absolute dedication to his country. He led the Portuguese national team in six consecutive World Cups.

His presence transformed the mindset of Portuguese football and placed the country amongst the sport’s leading powers.

Cristiano Ronaldo, winner of the B.O.A.T. award as voted for by the public, has made the number 7 immortal.

A man of records in goals and appearances

Cristiano bids farewell as the all-time leading goalscorer in the history of the Portuguese national team and also as the all-time leading goalscorer in international football, with over 145 goals scored.

Furthermore, he is the player who has made the most appearances for Portugal, ahead of Portuguese football legends such as Eusébio, Pepe, Luís Figo and Pauleta.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s World Cup statistics:

  • 27 matches
  • 11 goals
  • 2 assists

The titles that defined a generation

As captain, Cristiano Ronaldo led Portugal to the greatest achievements in its history. First, he led the national team to victory at Euro 2016 in France.

Years later, he also lifted the UEFA Nations League trophy on two occasions: in 2019 and 2025.

Before his generation, Portugal had never won an international title.

“I’m leaving happy and with a clear conscience. I played for the national team out of passion.” – Cristiano Ronaldo

Among the elite of the six World Cups

Cristiano Ronaldo’s legacy at the World Cup is also immense. He became the first player in history to feature in and score goals at six consecutive editions of the tournament.

He is the only player to have found the net in six consecutive World Cups, a historic achievement.

Here is a look back at Cristiano Ronaldo’s World Cup campaigns:

  • Germany 2006: knocked out in the semi-finals
  • South Africa 2010: knocked out in the round of 16
  • Brazil 2014: knocked out in the group stage
  • Russia 2018: knocked out in the round of 16
  • Qatar 2022: knocked out in the quarter-finals
  • United States, Canada and Mexico 2026: knocked out in the round of 16

At the same time, it is also true that the World Cup title is the only major honour that Cristiano Ronaldo has failed to win with the Portuguese national team.

He has won everything else.

The ‘Big Robot’ who became a legend

His competitive spirit has served as an inspiration to new generations of Portuguese players, who will now be tasked with carrying on his legacy.

A five-time Ballon d’Or winner throughout his career, Cristiano Ronaldo bids farewell to the Portuguese national team with his head held high.

Portugal loses its greatest on-pitch icon, but CR7’s legacy will live on in every player who wears the Portuguese national team shirt.