Portuguese football legend, Cristiano Ronaldo, has announced his retirement from international football after 23 years of representing his country.

The 41-year-old made the announcement today in an emotional message on Instagram, bringing an end to a career that began in August 2003.

Ronaldo leaves Portugal as the highest-scoring male international footballer, with 146 goals in 234 appearances.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner captained Portugal to the 2016 European Championship and two UEFA Nations League titles, in 2019 and 2025