Cristiano Ronaldo announces retirement from Portugal’s national team

Cristiano Ronaldo announced his retirement from Portugal’s national team on November 5, 2026. His international career included appearances at six FIFA World Cups, placing the tournament at the center of his time with Portugal. Ronaldo also confirmed that the 2026 FIFA World Cup would be his final World Cup.

During that World Cup career, Ronaldo became the first player to score at six different editions of the tournament. The milestone added to a record-setting international résumé that included a European championship with Portugal. He also leaves the national team holding the men’s international scoring record.

Ronaldo’s career with Portugal can therefore be measured through his participation on the World Cup stage, his success in European competition and his scoring achievement. His retirement announcement brings those accomplishments together: six World Cup appearances, a European title and the highest scoring mark in men’s international football. The 2026 tournament was his final World Cup, and November 5, 2026, marked his announcement that he would no longer represent Portugal’s national team.