en.malanginspirasi.com – In an emotional post on X on Thursday, November 5, 2026, Cristiano Ronaldo confirmed his retirement after his legendary 23-year career with the Portugal national team.
The 41-year-old Al Nassr forward shared a nearly five-minute farewell video captioned simply: “Portugal estará sempre em mim” — Portuguese for “Portugal will always be in me.”
The post, which quickly amassed hundreds of thousands of likes and millions of views, marks the formal conclusion of one of the most decorated international careers in football history.
Ronaldo leaves as the all-time leading men’s international goalscorer with 146 goals in a record 234 appearances for Portugal.
In the video statement, Ronaldo reflected on a journey that began with his debut in August 2003 as a teenager from Madeira.
He spoke of handing back the iconic No. 7 shirt and captain’s armband, emphasizing that it never belonged to him alone but to the Portuguese people.
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He thanked teammates, coaches, staff, fans, and the nation, noting that his greatest victory was not personal records or trophies but the honor of representing “the best country in the world.”
Key highlights from his message included memories of uniting Portuguese people worldwide during the national anthem, the shared suffering and triumphs, and a call for new generations to dream and never give up.
He closed by affirming that while his time on the pitch with the Seleção ends, “Portugal will always be a part of me. Forever.”
He added that he would continue supporting the team passionately, including with his signature “Siuuuu.”
Ronaldo captained Portugal to the UEFA Euro 2016 title and two UEFA Nations League crowns (2019 and 2025).
He participated in 12 major tournaments across six World Cups and six European Championships. His final competitive goal for the national team came during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The announcement follows recent turbulence, including a reported fallout during the previous international break, after which Ronaldo had indicated he was considering his future.
Portugal’s football federation and fans worldwide have paid tribute to the player who transformed the nation’s international standing and inspired generations.
Ronaldo continues his club career with Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia.
