Cristiano Ronaldo
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I Countless reasons have cropped up to explain why Portugal football legend Cristiano Ronaldo has finally decided to retire from international football, bringing an illustrious 23-year career with his country to an end.
The 41-year-old forward, who holds the world records for the most international goals (146) and appearances (234), has announced that he will no longer wear Portugal’s famous number seven shirt, ending speculation about his future with the national team.
In an emotional announcement shared on Instagram, Ronaldo said the time had come to hand over the iconic shirt to the next generation, describing his decision as one of the most difficult of his football career.
“To the Portuguese people, the day has come for me to hand back the number seven shirt of our national team,” Ronaldo said.
“I never felt it belonged to me alone, but for 23 years I had the privilege and responsibility of wearing it, defending it and carrying it with me into stadiums all around the world.”
He added: “Today the time has come to pass it on to the future. It was not an easy decision, because some decisions are not made with the mind alone – they are also made with the heart.”
His international journey began in August 2003, when he made his debut for Portugal as a teenager. Since then, he has become the country’s most celebrated footballer, leading the national team through several generations of players.
Falling out with coach accelerates departure
Although Ronaldo’s announcement suggests a personal decision to move on, his recent disagreements with Portugal coach Jorge Jesus appear to have contributed to the timing of his departure.
Tensions reportedly escalated after Ronaldo was named among the substitutes for Portugal’s match against Norway. He was instructed to warm up during the second half but was ultimately not introduced into the game.
It was the first time since 2008 that Ronaldo had been an unused substitute in a competitive match for Portugal, an experience that reportedly angered the veteran forward.
The situation deteriorated further when Jesus announced that Ronaldo would not start the subsequent Nations League match against Denmark.
Ronaldo subsequently walked out of Portugal’s training camp in September, triggering fresh speculation about a breakdown in his relationship with the national team management.
In a lengthy statement following his departure, Ronaldo insisted that he was not retiring at the time but accused Jesus of breaking his word on two occasions.
Jesus, however, maintained that the door remained open for the former Manchester United and Real Madrid star to return.
The Portugal Football Federation (PFF) responded by suspending Ronaldo for 30 days and imposing a £215 fine, although the suspension did not affect any Portugal fixtures.
Questions over his declining influence
Ronaldo’s decision also comes against the backdrop of growing questions about his effectiveness at international level.
Despite his remarkable goal-scoring record, his performances during the 2026 World Cup attracted criticism, with sections of the media questioning whether he still possessed the influence and physical capacity to lead Portugal at the highest level.
Portugal’s elimination by eventual champions Spain in the last 16 was another disappointment for a player whose international ambitions have always centred on winning major tournaments.
Having featured in six European Championships, Ronaldo experienced both the disappointment of losing the 2004 final on home soil and the triumph of leading Portugal to the 2016 title.
His international achievements have made him a national icon, but the changing demands of modern football and the emergence of younger players have increasingly raised questions about when he should step aside.
An extraordinary international legacy
Ronaldo leaves behind an extraordinary record of 234 appearances and 146 goals, achievements that underline his longevity, consistency and influence in international football.
His departure also comes after his great rival, Argentina’s Lionel Messi, brought his own international career to a close following an emotional farewell in Buenos Aires.
The PFF has indicated that it intends to organise a special tribute to honour Ronaldo’s contribution to Portuguese football.
“It is our firm and immense desire to organise, plan, participate and actively collaborate in what will always be a fitting tribute to Cristiano Ronaldo’s immense career,” the federation said.
For Portugal, Ronaldo’s retirement represents the end of an era. For the player, it is an opportunity to pass the responsibility of wearing the number seven shirt to a new generation.
After 23 years of carrying his country’s hopes across the world, one of football’s greatest international careers has reached its conclusion.
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