Cristiano Ronaldo announces Portugal retirement after November matches against Denmark and Wales By Luís Henrique Costa
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Some of Brazil’s best-known footballers publicly honored Cristiano Ronaldo on Thursday, November 5, 2026, in São Paulo. Their messages came right after Ronaldo released a video announcing the end of his 23-year career with the Portugal national team. The reaction spread quickly through the international football scene, where the 41-year-old’s decision to hand his No. 7 shirt to younger players drew wide attention.
Neymar responded directly to the farewell post, summing up the forward’s career in one word and adding applause emojis. Marta, six-time winner of FIFA’s award as the world’s best women’s player, answered the same post with a series of hearts.
Vinicius Junior also joined the tributes, praising Ronaldo’s professionalism, longevity and records since his first call-up in August 2003. Public figures from other sports also highlighted his leadership and legacy in messages shared on social media.
Neymar wrote “Legend” in a comment on the Portugal captain’s official channel, marking the close of his cycle with the national team. Ronaldo’s farewell message thanked teammates, coaches and fans, and promised that Portugal would stay with him.
Fellow stars highlight Ronaldo’s records and longevity
The tributes reflect the respect built between players at the top of the world’s leading leagues over the past two decades. Ronaldo’s exit comes after a dispute with coach Jorge Jesus, which began when he left Portugal’s training camp in September.
The farewell also closes a chapter in European football, marked by the Euro 2016 title won in France and two Nations League trophies, in 2019 and 2025. Those achievements form the core of his legacy with the national team.
Read also: Cristiano Ronaldo walks out on Portugal squad after Jorge Jesus dispute
Reactions from Neymar and Marta show that Ronaldo’s relevance reached beyond Europe. Their messages reach young athletes who grew up playing on South American fields.
Farewell video reaches millions as federation plans tribute
The post mobilized millions of fans and gathered reactions from the sport’s leading names. The Portuguese Football Federation said it wants to organize a tribute so fans can celebrate the player once more.
- Last match for Portugal: 1 to 0 win over Wales on September 24, 2026, in the Nations League
- Retirement takes effect after the November international window, with games against Denmark on November 14 and Wales on November 17
- Career for Portugal: 234 matches and 146 goals
- Squad list for the November games: coach Jorge Jesus announces it on Friday (6)
Ronaldo will keep playing club football for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia. He has 985 career goals, 15 short of the milestone of 1,000.
