Ronaldo Set to Retire from International Duty

Cristiano Ronaldo has reportedly made the decision to end his Portugal career, according to Portuguese newspaper O Jogo.

The report claims that the 41-year-old has made a final and irreversible decision to retire from international football, meaning his appearance against Wales could have been the final game of his extraordinary Portugal career.

Ronaldo started Portugal’s 1–0 UEFA Nations League victory over Wales on September 24 before being substituted in the 67th minute.

He then remained an unused substitute during Portugal’s 2–1 victory over Norway in Oslo, before the situation around his national-team future escalated.

On Wednesday, Ronaldo confirmed that he had left Portugal’s training camp ahead of the upcoming Nations League match against Denmark.

The Al-Nassr forward said the decision came after Jorge Jesus’ press conference and a conversation with Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença.

Ronaldo also said he would reveal the truth about the reasons for his departure “in due time”.

He did not announce his retirement in that statement.

However, O Jogo has now reported that Ronaldo’s decision to end his Portugal career is final.

If confirmed, his final international appearance would therefore be the 1–0 victory over Wales in Lisbon.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal career

👤 234 appearances

⚽ 146 goals

🏆 Euro 2016

🏆 Nations League 2019

🏆 Nations League 2025

Ronaldo made his Portugal debut in 2003 and became the most-capped player and leading goalscorer in men's international football.

He also became the first player to score at six European Championships and helped Portugal win the European Championship in 2016 before adding two Nations League titles.

His 234th appearance came against Wales last week, with his record standing at 146 international goals.

The timing would make his potential farewell particularly dramatic.

Just days ago, Ronaldo had continued his international career despite reports that he could retire following Portugal’s World Cup exit. NBC Sports reported on September 25 that he had decided against retirement and was continuing as he pursued the 1,000-goal milestone.

Now, less than a week later, he has left the Portugal camp following the dispute surrounding his role under new manager Jorge Jesus.

For the moment, the retirement remains a report rather than an announcement from Ronaldo himself.

If O Jogo’s information is confirmed, however, the 1–0 win over Wales will go down as the final chapter of Ronaldo’s 23-year Portugal career.