‘I gave everything I had for Portugal’: What Cristiano Ronaldo said in emotional retirement video | Watch

Cristiano Ronaldo has brought his 23-year international career with Portugal to an end, announcing his retirement from the national team in an emotional farewell video shared on social media.

The 41-year-old forward leaves behind a record-breaking legacy of 234 appearances and 146 goals, but his departure comes after a turbulent final chapter marked by a public disagreement with head coach Jorge Jesus.

Also read: Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal walkout: What happened weeks before his international retirement?


In the video, Ronaldo reflected on his journey with Portugal, thanking the supporters, teammates and family members who stood by him through more than two decades of international football. He also addressed the end of his association with the iconic No. 7 shirt, saying the pride of having worn it would remain with him forever.

"Today my journey on the pitch with the national team comes to an end. I leave with my head held high, proud of the path I walked and with the awareness that I gave everything I had for Portugal," Ronaldo said.

"The number 7 shirt stays, the pride of having worn it will be mine forever. Portugal will always be in me. Until always, Cristiano Ronaldo."

The announcement brings an end to a career that began with his international debut against Kazakhstan in August 2003, when he was 18. Ronaldo went on to become the most-capped player and highest goalscorer in men's international football, establishing himself as one of the defining figures in Portugal's sporting history.

His retirement also means Portugal will have to move forward without the player who led the national side for much of the past two decades. While Ronaldo's farewell video struck a note of gratitude and pride, the circumstances surrounding his final months with the team have added a complicated dimension to his exit.

Ronaldo's final months with Portugal overshadowed by Jesus row

The retirement announcement follows a public disagreement between Ronaldo and Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus over the forward's involvement in the national team.

The tensions came into focus during Portugal's 2-1 Nations League victory over Norway on September 27, when Ronaldo remained on the bench throughout the match. The forward later said he had initially been informed that he would be rested for the away fixtures against Norway and Denmark as part of a plan to manage his fitness.

However, Ronaldo claimed that Jesus subsequently indicated he would get around 30 minutes against Norway. Having warmed up from half-time in anticipation of an appearance, he was ultimately not brought on.

Ronaldo was also unhappy with how the coach addressed the situation publicly. He claimed they had agreed that Jesus would explain that his reduced involvement had been planned and that he had not requested to play. The coach's subsequent comments, according to Ronaldo, did not reflect that understanding.

Jesus maintained that team selection was his responsibility and played down suggestions of a major falling-out.

Also read: Cristiano Ronaldo announces international retirement: A look at his 234 appearances, 146 goals and other Portugal records

The disagreement escalated when Ronaldo left Portugal's training camp in Copenhagen ahead of the fixture against Denmark, after speaking with Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proenca. His departure attracted criticism, prompting the forward to apologise to his teammates and supporters.

The federation subsequently imposed a 30-day suspension and a fine of 255 euros, with the punishment backdated to keep him eligible for subsequent fixtures.

Ronaldo had previously indicated that he intended to continue representing Portugal and had considered retiring after the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He also said Proenca had persuaded him to reconsider his plans to step away from international football.

He has not directly attributed his retirement to the disagreement with Jesus.

A record-breaking career, two major international titles

Ronaldo's international journey encompassed several generations of Portuguese football, from his debut as a teenager to his years as captain and record-holder.

He first came close to winning a major international trophy at Euro 2004, when Portugal reached the final on home soil but lost to Greece. The team also reached the semi-finals of the 2006 FIFA World Cup and Euro 2012 before Ronaldo finally lifted his first major international trophy at Euro 2016.

Although a knee injury forced him off during the final against France, Ronaldo remained on the touchline to encourage his teammates as Portugal secured a 1-0 victory through Eder's extra-time goal.

He added another international title in 2019, when Portugal won the inaugural UEFA Nations League. Ronaldo scored a hat-trick against Switzerland in the semi-finals before Portugal defeated the Netherlands in the final. He was also part of the side that won the competition again in 2025, scoring against Spain in the final before Portugal prevailed on penalties.

His international records include 234 appearances and 146 goals, both men's world records. He also holds the European Championship records for most appearances (30) and goals (14).

Ronaldo further extended his place in football history by becoming the first player to score at six different editions of the FIFA World Cup in 2026.

However, the World Cup trophy remained beyond his reach. Portugal's best finish during his international career came in 2006, when they reached the semi-finals. Their subsequent exits, including the 2022 quarter-final defeat to Morocco and the 2026 round-of-16 loss to Spain, added to the disappointments of his international journey.

While his time with Portugal is now over, Ronaldo's pursuit of another career milestone continues. The Al Nassr forward is closing in on 1,000 career goals, with his overall tally standing at 979 according to the latest available figures.

Portugal will now have to find a new wearer for the No. 7 shirt. Ronaldo, meanwhile, leaves international football with two Nations League titles, a European Championship and records that have made his name inseparable from the country's footballing history.