LUNA SOCCER NEWS
Cristiano Ronaldo Bids Farewell to Portugal After Stellar International Career
5 November 2026
· 1 min read
Cristiano Ronaldo has made the momentous decision to retire from international football, sharing the news through a heartfelt post on social media. The legendary forward, now 41, confirmed he would be returning the iconic No 7 shirt after the upcoming international break in November.
With an astounding record of 234 appearances for Portugal and a staggering 146 goals, Ronaldo stands as the all-time leader in both men’s international matches and goals scored. His legacy in the national team is unparalleled, and he leaves behind a storied chapter in Portuguese football history.
In a reflective video message, Ronaldo addressed the nation, saying, “To the Portuguese people, the day has come for me to hand back the No 7 shirt of our national team.” He emphasized that while he cherished the honor of wearing the shirt for 23 years, he always felt it belonged to the entire country.
Ronaldo's departure marks the end of an era, but his contributions to the game and to Portugal will be remembered for generations to come. Fans and teammates alike will miss his presence on the pitch as he transitions to the next chapter of his remarkable career.