Анна Нэсси, CC BY-SA 3.0 GFDL, via Wikimedia Commons
Cristiano Ronaldo has officially announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to a legendary 23-year career with the Portuguese national team.
The forward released a heartfelt farewell letter to fans, reflecting on a journey that began in August 2003.
Expressing immense gratitude, Ronaldo stated that passing on the captain’s armband was a decision made with both his head and heart, emphasising that football ultimately belongs to the people who shared in the team’s victories and heartbreaks.
Ronaldo noted that while goals, trophies, and records eventually fade, the emotional bond he formed with Portuguese citizens worldwide remains timeless.
He expressed pride in pushing his limits for the national side and voiced confidence in Portugal’s next generation of players to continue building on that legacy.
Since making his senior international debut against Kazakhstan in 2003 as an 18-year-old, Ronaldo built one of the most decorated international careers in modern sports history.
He guided Portugal to its first major international trophy at UEFA Euro 2016 in France, followed by victory in the inaugural UEFA Nations League in 2019.
Along the way, he shattered the all-time international scoring record, surpassing Iran’s Ali Daei to become the highest male goalscorer in international football history.
His departure marks the end of an era for the Seleção das Quinas, where he represented his country across five FIFA World Cups and six UEFA European Championships.
Beyond his individual accolades—which include five Ballon d’Or awards—Ronaldo’s tenure as national team captain transformed Portugal from perennial dark horses into established global football contenders.
The announcement triggered immediate tributes across the global sports community, with Guinness World Records hailing his extraordinary career and individual milestones.
Meanwhile, the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) has confirmed plans for an upcoming official farewell ceremony to honour its long-serving leader and all-time top goalscorer.
Read Also: Cristiano Ronaldo emerges as first player in football history to score 900 goals
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