Cristiano Ronaldo, whom m any call Greatest of all time (GOAT) for his consistency, dedication and delivery, has retired from international football, ending a 23-year Portugal career that made him the highest goalscorer in the men’s game.

The 41-year-old legend, who was earlier part of famous clubs like Manchester United, Rea Madrid and Juventus, and currently on the payroll of Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr, announced his decision on Thursday in a video posted to social media. He finishes with 146 goals in 234 appearances for his country, and holds the men’s records for both appearances and goals.

His crowning achievement with the national team came at Euro 2016, when t he Selecaos won their first major senior men’s title. He later added Nations League crowns in 2019 and 2025, captaining the side to the second.

In his farewell statement, Ronaldo said the time had come to hand back the number 7 shirt. “I never felt it belonged to me alone,” he said. “But for 23 years I had the privilege and the responsibility of wearing it, defending it, and carrying it with me into stadiums all around the world.”

The Portuguese superstar, who influenced a generation of football fans to remain as the committed followers of his country, admitted the decision was a painful one. “Some decisions are not made with the mind alone,” he said. “They are also made with the heart.”

Reflecting on a journey that began in August 2003, Ronaldo said he saw more than matches, goals and trophies. “I see people,” he said, pointing to Portuguese emigrants who “felt a little closer to home” for 90 minutes. “Football is so much bigger than a game. Football is about people.”

He acknowledged the lows as well as the highs. “I made mistakes. I suffered,” he said. “But I never gave up. And above all, I never stopped feeling proud to represent Portugal.”

Fans flooded social media with their pain as the announcement came as a video on his official handles.

“I did not expect his retirement to happen this way and this soon. I honestly believe that his prime is not over yet and, he will still be able to contribute more to the national side considering his performance at the club side,” said Thasbeer PK, who became a hardcore Portugal fan following Cristiano. “But, if he calls his time now, then it must be the right time. We are going to miss Ronaldo in Red and Green,” Thasbeer, a media professional based out of Kerala’s Calicut said.