Global football legend Cristiano Ronaldo announced his intention to retire from the Portuguese national team on Thursday via a social media post. Ronaldo has made 234 appearances for Portugal and scored 146 goals, holding the all-time records for both international appearances and goals.
The 41-year-old stated he would 'hand back the number 7 shirt' following the November international break. "To the Portuguese people, the day has come for me to hand back the number seven shirt of our national team," Ronaldo said in an Instagram video.
"I never felt it belonged to me alone, but for 23 years I had the privilege and the responsibility of wearing it, defending it, and carrying it with me into stadiums all around the world," he added. His departure marks the end of an era for European football, as he remains the most decorated player in the history of the Portuguese side.
Ronaldo's career with the national team began in 2003, and since then, he has been the face of Portuguese football. He led the team to victory in the UEFA European Championship in 2016 and the UEFA Nations League in 2019, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest athletes to ever play the sport.
Fans and fellow athletes across the globe have expressed their gratitude for his contributions. The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) is expected to hold a formal ceremony to honor his service during the upcoming international window.
Analysts suggest that while Ronaldo will continue his club career, his absence from the international stage will leave a significant void in the Portuguese lineup. The team will now look toward younger talent to fill the leadership gap left by the veteran captain.
The decision comes after months of speculation regarding his future in international football. Ronaldo had previously hinted that his focus was shifting toward personal milestones and club-level commitments.
Supporters gathered outside the national training center in Lisbon shortly after the announcement to pay tribute to their hero. Many were seen wearing his iconic number 7 jersey in a show of solidarity and respect.
As the football world reflects on his illustrious career, many are calling for a permanent retirement of the number 7 shirt in his honor, though no official decision has been made by the federation. This is a developing story and is being updated as more reactions and official statements from the football community emerge.