Cristiano Ronaldo announced he will no longer play for Portugal, closing more than two decades of service in the national jersey.
Cristiano Ronaldo has officially turned the page on his international career. In a video published Thursday, November 5th on Instagram, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner announced he will no longer wear the Portugal jersey. A decision heavy with meaning, marking the end of an era for Portuguese and world football.
The 39-year-old striker has amassed 146 goals for his national team, an absolute record. Since his debut in 2003, Ronaldo has represented Portugal across four World Cups and five European Championships. He will forever be remembered as the player who delivered Portugal's first and only major trophy, the victory at Euro 2016 in France.
This retirement comes amid a tense backdrop. Ronaldo abruptly left Portugal's latest national team camp following a deep disagreement with coach Jorge Jesus. The tensions between the player and technical staff have clearly reached a point of no return, hastening this unexpected decision.
For Portuguese football, a transition period is beginning. Without its most capped player in history, the Selecção will need to learn to exist without its icon. The country's young talents will need to take over and write a new chapter in national history.
It remains to be seen whether this decision is truly definitive or can be revised in the future. Ronaldo, who continues to perform at the highest level with his club, seems to have made his choice. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner thus turns a historic page in contemporary football.
The 39-year-old striker has amassed 146 goals for his national team, an absolute record. Since his debut in 2003, Ronaldo has represented Portugal across four World Cups and five European Championships. He will forever be remembered as the player who delivered Portugal's first and only major trophy, the victory at Euro 2016 in France.
This retirement comes amid a tense backdrop. Ronaldo abruptly left Portugal's latest national team camp following a deep disagreement with coach Jorge Jesus. The tensions between the player and technical staff have clearly reached a point of no return, hastening this unexpected decision.
For Portuguese football, a transition period is beginning. Without its most capped player in history, the Selecção will need to learn to exist without its icon. The country's young talents will need to take over and write a new chapter in national history.
It remains to be seen whether this decision is truly definitive or can be revised in the future. Ronaldo, who continues to perform at the highest level with his club, seems to have made his choice. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner thus turns a historic page in contemporary football.
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Source: Ouest-France