November 5, 2026
Today, the Portuguese Football Federation officially announced the retirement of its historic leader, Cristiano Ronaldo, from international football.
In an official statement, the federation described Ronaldo as the “eternal leader,” expressing the deepest gratitude and admiration of Portuguese football officials for the exceptional career he presented to the country, which went beyond being merely a distinguished sporting participation to become a model of inspiration and dedication.
The statement reviewed the legendary records achieved by “The Don” throughout his international career, where he played 234 matches and scored 146 goals, during which he led the Portuguese national team to achieve historic achievements engraved in the national football memory. The statement stressed that Ronaldo’s legacy goes beyond the white lines of the stadium, as he succeeded in raising Portugal’s name high and inspired emerging generations, considering him the best of all time for many.
In a step that reflects Portuguese football’s appreciation for its first star, the federation stressed its refusal to complete this farewell without a tribute befitting the size of his great career, stressing its intention to organize a major celebration in cooperation with the fans and the country to celebrate what he has provided over the past years.
The Portuguese Federation concluded its statement with a message of loyalty, saying: “Thank you for everything, captain, this will always be your home,” concluding by referring to the player’s next challenge with the phrase: “Let’s move towards goal 1000.”
