Cristiano Ronaldo ends international career with Portugal
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on 24 Heure Info, Actu Cameroun and Seneweb
Cristiano Ronaldo announced his international retirement with Portugal on 5 November 2026, after 23 years in the national shirt. At 41, he leaves the team with 234 appearances and 146 goals, world records in men’s international football, according to 24 Heure Info and Seneweb. Actu Cameroun links the decision to a similar announcement made by Lionel Messi a few weeks earlier.
“Today, my journey with the national team is coming to an end,” Cristiano Ronaldo said in a video posted on Instagram, according to 24 Heure Info and Seneweb. Actu Cameroun also reported an announcement posted on social media.
The Portuguese player joined the national team in 2003. His honours include Euro 2016, Portugal’s first major international trophy, as well as two Nations League titles, won in 2019 and 2025, according to 24 Heure Info.
The decision follows several weeks of tensions with Portugal manager Jorge Jesus. On 30 September, Ronaldo left a training camp after a disagreement over his position in the team, before apologising to his team-mates and supporters. He had then said he remained available for Portugal, according to 24 Heure Info. Seneweb also refers to the dispute with the manager.
