Ronaldo ends his international career with 146 goals in 234 appearances, leaving a legacy of decisive goals and major trophies.
Cristiano Ronaldo retires from international football after more than two decades with Portugal, announcing his decision on Thursday. He leaves with a record 146 goals in 234 appearances, having made his debut in 2003.
His international career included World Cup hat-tricks, European Championship success and Nations League glory. Five matches stand out across that journey, from a decisive performance in Sweden to victory over Croatia.
Cristiano Ronaldo retires after landmark Portugal triumphs
In 2013, Ronaldo drove Portugal towards World Cup qualification in a play-off against Sweden. His goal secured a 1-0 first-leg win before the teams met again in Stockholm.
He opened the scoring in the return match, but Zlatan Ibrahimovic responded with two goals to level the tie. Ronaldo then completed his hat-trick with two goals in two minutes, securing Portugal’s place at the tournament in Brazil.
Three years later, Portugal reached the Euro 2016 final despite failing to win any group match. They faced hosts France in Paris, seeking their first major international trophy after losing the 2004 final to Greece.
However, injury forced Ronaldo off after 25 minutes, leaving him in tears. He continued encouraging his teammates from the touchline as Eder’s extra-time winner delivered the title.
World Cup hat-trick and Nations League success
Ronaldo arrived at the 2018 World Cup after winning three consecutive Champions League titles with Real Madrid. Against Spain in Portugal’s opener in Sochi, he produced another defining hat-trick.
A penalty opened his account, while a superb late free kick completed his treble and secured a draw. That performance added another standout World Cup display to his international record.
In 2025, three months after turning 40, Ronaldo helped Portugal reach the Nations League final in Munich. He scored the semi-final winner against Germany and then equalised against Spain to take the final into extra time.
Portugal eventually won on penalties, claiming the crown again six years after their previous success.
Meanwhile, his 2026 World Cup campaign included a last-32 comeback against Croatia in Toronto after an unconvincing group stage. An offside decision denied him an early goal before Ivan Perisic put Croatia ahead.
Ronaldo equalised from the penalty spot, and Goncalo Ramos’ late header sealed a 2-1 victory. However, Portugal’s run ended against eventual champions Spain in the last 16.
