By our reporter 5.11.2026
Portuguese star striker Cristiano Ronaldo said his last goodbye to international football on Thursday, saying it was an honour to wear the Portuguese number 7 shirt, and it was time to hand it back.
And Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) said in a statement that Ronaldo will get spectacular honour for his long service to the country’s football.
“To the Portuguese people, the day has come for me to hand back the number seven shirt of our national team,” said Ronaldo in a video posted via his official X handle.
“I never felt it belonged to me alone, but for 23 years I had the privilege and 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.
“A journey that began in August 2003 and changed my life forever has come to an end,” he added.
Ronaldo scored 146 goals and won 234 caps for his country since his debut in 2003. At 41 he was still eager to contribute to the national team, national team coach Jorge Jesus however, reminded the Portuguese legend there are far younger options.
During a Euro Nations League match against Denmark in October Ronaldo walked out the team after failing to get a starting role. Ronaldo immediately left the team camp and was handed a 30-day suspension. His mother told him that it was time he left the Portugues set up.
“The FPF expresses its deepest and eternal gratitude to its eternal captain, Cristiano Ronaldo,” said the FPF in a statement.
“It is with a feeling of deep gratitude and immense admiration that the FPF wishes to publicly pay tribute to Cristiano Ronaldo and thank him for his absolutely extraordinary journey in the service of our country.”