Cristiano Ronaldo has received tributes following his announcement that he is retiring from international football, ending a remarkable 23-year career with Portugal.
The 41-year-old confirmed his decision on Thursday, November 5, bringing an end to a national team career that included 146 goals in 234 appearances, the most in men’s international football history in both categories.
Ronaldo also helped Portugal win the 2016 European Championship and the UEFA Nations League in 2019 and 2025, establishing himself as the most influential player in the country’s football history.
The Portuguese Football Federation paid tribute to its longtime captain, recognizing his contributions to the national team and the impact he made on successive generations of Portuguese footballers.
The federation praised Ronaldo’s leadership, dedication and accomplishments, acknowledging his importance in helping Portugal establish itself among Europe’s leading international teams.
Bruno Fernandes, who shared the dressing room with Ronaldo at Manchester United and with Portugal, had already expressed his admiration for the forward during the controversy surrounding his international future in October.
The Manchester United captain revealed that he had spoken privately with Ronaldo following his disagreement with national team manager Jorge Jesus.
Fernandes emphasized that Ronaldo would always remain Portugal’s greatest footballing symbol, regardless of the circumstances surrounding his departure. He also called for unity among Portuguese supporters and insisted that the forward deserved recognition for everything he had accomplished.
Ronaldo’s international career also included longstanding partnerships with some of Portugal’s most accomplished footballers.
Pepe was among his closest teammates, representing Portugal alongside Ronaldo during several major tournaments, including the country’s historic Euro 2016 triumph. The two also shared considerable success at Real Madrid.
Bernardo Silva, Rúben Dias, João Cancelo and Diogo Dalot belonged to the generation that played alongside Ronaldo during the latter stages of his international career.
Their experiences reflected Ronaldo’s longevity, with the forward remaining an important presence in the national team while younger players established themselves at the highest level.
However, individual retirement tributes published on November 5 by Pepe, Bernardo Silva, Rúben Dias, João Cancelo, Dalot and other prominent teammates could not be independently verified. Their previous associations with Ronaldo should not be mistaken for confirmed public reactions to Thursday’s announcement.
Ronaldo made his Portugal debut against Kazakhstan in August 2003 and went on to represent his country at six World Cups, a distinction he shares with Lionel Messi.
His greatest international achievement came in 2016, when Portugal defeated France 1-0 in the European Championship final.
Although Ronaldo was forced off with an injury, he remained involved from the sidelines as Portugal secured its first major international trophy.
Three years later, he captained Portugal to the inaugural UEFA Nations League championship. He added another Nations League title in 2025, helping his country defeat Spain in the final.
His retirement follows a difficult period in his relationship with Portugal manager Jorge Jesus, including a disagreement over playing time during the September international window.
Despite that controversy, Ronaldo’s accomplishments remain an important part of Portuguese football history.
He leaves international competition as the leading goalscorer and most-capped player in men’s international football, having represented Portugal for more than two decades.
His departure closes an era for the national team, which must now move forward without the player who served as its defining figure for much of the 21st century.
