Cristiano Announces International Retirement: I Leave with My Head Held High
Press coverage 2 newspapers covered this event: Al-Jarida · Al-Nahar →
Cristiano Ronaldo announces his retirement from international football at age 41 following a dispute with coach Jorge Jesus.
Translated by Qiyas from النهار — Original source
Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo announced on Thursday his retirement from international football at the age of 41, following weeks of controversy that saw him leave the national team camp after a dispute with coach Jorge Jesus over his exclusion from one of the UEFA Nations League matches.
Ronaldo said, “I am ending my career with the national team today. I am leaving with my head held high and with great pride in what I have achieved throughout my journey, fully aware that I gave everything I had for Portugal.”
He added, “Goals are forgotten, trophies are placed in museums, and records are eventually broken. But there is one thing that time can never erase: the place we hold in people’s hearts.”
He continued, “I dedicated my life to becoming the best player in the world. Today, I realize that my greatest victory is earning the right to represent the best country in the world.”
He concluded, “Thank you for these 23 years. Thank you for believing in me. Portugal will always be a part of me. Forever.”
The Al-Nassr forward, who began his international career in 2003, has played 234 matches for the Portuguese national team and scored 146 goals. After apologizing for leaving the “Seleção” camp on September 30 ahead of the match against Denmark in Copenhagen, “CR7” faced a symbolic punishment consisting of a 30-day suspension and a fine of 255 euros.
The Portuguese Football Federation paved the way for his return last week by announcing that his name had been included in an initial list of around 50 players in preparation for the match against Denmark on November 14 in Braga, northern Portugal, followed by the game against Wales three days later in Cardiff. However, despite expressing regret for his behavior toward fans and teammates, Ronaldo sharply criticized coach Jesus, accusing him of betraying his trust.
Less than 24 hours before the coach announced his final squad for the upcoming Nations League matches, the Portugal captain announced that he would not return to the national team.
During his last major tournament, the 2026 World Cup this summer in North America, the son of Madeira Island became the first player in history to score in six different World Cup editions. However, the tournament ended disappointingly for Portugal, which was eliminated in the round of 16 by Spain (1-0), who later went on to win the title.
