Cristiano Ronaldo retires from Portugal national team after falling out with Jorge Jesus By Luís Henrique Costa
3 min read
 |
Portugal’s record scorer, 41-year-old forward Cristiano Ronaldo, has ended his 23-year career with the national team. He said on Thursday, November 5, 2026, that he will no longer play for Portugal, in a video message posted on his social media accounts.
The break came after weeks of friction behind the scenes. The conflict started in the last international break, when he stayed on the bench during the 2-1 Nations League win over Norway. He then left the squad camp after Portugal coach Jorge Jesus publicly reaffirmed his authority over team decisions.
The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) opened disciplinary proceedings and handed him a 30-day suspension and a fine of 255 euros, about R$ 1.4 thousand. Ronaldo apologized to his teammates and served the suspension until October 30, 2026, but did not return to the national team for the next Nations League matches.
Dispute over playing time with coach Jorge Jesus
Public criticism from the forward made the atmosphere inside the Cidade do Futebol untenable. Days after leaving the team hotel, he published an open note accusing Jorge Jesus of breaking earlier agreements about his minutes on the pitch.
The coaching staff maintained that no player, regardless of his historic stature, would receive privileges in the starting lineup. The coach’s strict stance and the isolation within the group sped up the forward’s decision to end his cycle with the national team.
The official announcement caught fans off guard, since many expected him in the squad for the November call-ups. Ronaldo’s last appearance for Portugal came on September 24, 2026, when Portugal beat Wales 1-0 in the Nations League.
Farewell video and the No. 7 shirt handed back
In a video published on his social media channels, Ronaldo thanked fans around the world and said the moment had come to make room for new generations. He described the decision as a difficult one, because some decisions are not made with the mind alone.
Keep reading: Jorge Jesus denies Portugal rift and outlines Cristiano Ronaldo physical plan
“To the Portuguese, the day has come to hand back the No. 7 shirt of all of us,” he said. “I never felt it belonged only to me, but I had the privilege of wearing it for 23 years.”
Ronaldo recalled the start of his international career in August 2003 and the bond he built with immigrant communities across the continents. “A journey that began in August 2003 and changed my life forever has come to an end,” he said.
He also thanked support staff, teammates and family members who backed him since his first steps in youth football on Madeira Island. “Thank you for these 23 years. Thank you for having believed in me,” he added.
Career figures and where he plays next
His career numbers place him at the top of international football. He has 985 official goals, and 146 of them came in 234 appearances for Portugal, a men’s all-time international scoring record. He keeps playing club football for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia.
- Full name: Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro, 41 years old
- Time with Portugal: August 2003 to November 2026, 23 years
- Role: captain of the national team
- Titles with Portugal: UEFA Euro 2016 and UEFA Nations League 2018/19
The Portuguese Football Federation is preparing institutional tributes to honor his legacy at upcoming matches in Lisbon. Jorge Jesus will name the new captain and the successor to the No. 7 shirt when he releases the squad list for the next international window.
