Cristiano Ronaldo officially retires from international football

Manchester United have witnessed some of football’s greatest players wear the famous number seven shirt at Old Trafford.

Few have left a legacy quite like Cristiano Ronaldo, whose first spell at the club transformed him from a promising teenager into a global superstar.

The Portuguese forward arrived from Sporting CP in 2003 and quickly became a central figure under Sir Alex Ferguson.

His incredible performances helped United win three consecutive Premier League titles and the Champions League in 2008.

Ronaldo eventually returned to Old Trafford in 2021, producing another memorable spell before his departure in November 2022.

Across his two spells, he scored 145 goals in 346 appearances, leaving the club as one of its most recognisable modern icons.

The forward also produced significant moments for Portugal.

Cristiano Ronaldo officially retires from international football

But now he has announced his retirement from international football.

The 41-year-old announced the news on Thursday through a lengthy social media video, in which he read a heartfelt letter addressed to his supporters.

“The day has come for me to hand back the number 7 shirt of our national team,” he said, referring to his iconic shirt number.

“I never thought it belonged to me alone. But for 23 years, I had the privilege and the responsibility of wearing it, defending it and carrying it with me into stadiums all around the world.

“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.

“Throughout my entire career with the national team, I always pushed myself beyond my limits. I wanted to win, I wanted to do better, I wanted to make history.”

The iconic number 7 ended off by saying, “Portugal will always be part of me. Farewell, until we meet again, Cristiano Ronaldo.”

Ronaldo leaves behind an extraordinary legacy with Portugal, having made a world-record 234 appearances and scored 146 goals, making him the most-capped player and leading goalscorer in men’s international football.

He captained his country to its first-ever European Championship triumph at Euro 2016, before adding two UEFA Nations League titles in 2019 and 2025.

He also represented Portugal at six European Championships and six World Cups, becoming the first player to score at six different World Cup tournaments in 2026.

His influence extended far beyond the statistics, transforming Portugal into a major force in international football and delivering the country’s most significant silverware.

Ronaldo’s departure from Portugal’s training camp raised questions about his future after he was left unused against Norway and subsequently learned that he would not start the Nations League fixture against Denmark.

The 41-year-old later released a lengthy statement explaining his disagreement with head coach Jorge Jesus, accusing him of breaking promises regarding his involvement.

However, Ronaldo made it clear that he remained willing to represent his country.

He revealed that he had prepared a retirement letter following Portugal’s exit from the 2026 World Cup, but was persuaded to reconsider after speaking with Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proenca.

It now seems that persuasion was not enough as the forward hangs up his international football boots.

As Ronaldo prepares to close the international chapter of his remarkable career, his records, trophies and unforgettable moments will ensure his legacy as one of Portugal’s greatest-ever footballers lives on for generations.