Ronaldo retires from international football after 234 caps and 146 goals

Cristiano Ronaldo announced his retirement from international football on Thursday, closing a 21-year career with Portugal that delivered 146 goals in 234 appearances. The 41-year-old made his debut in 2003 and leaves as the nation's all-time leading scorer and most-capped player.

His final tournament was the 2026 World Cup, where he scored a penalty in Portugal's 2-1 last-16 win over Croatia before they fell to eventual champions Spain. The article highlights five defining moments: a 2013 hat-trick against Sweden that sent Portugal to the World Cup; the 2016 Euro final where he left injured in tears but watched Portugal win their first major trophy; a 2018 World Cup hat-trick against Spain; the 2025 Nations League triumph at age 40; and this year's World Cup swansong.

Ronaldo's retirement marks the end of an era that paralleled Messi's dominance globally. For Nigerian fans who grew up watching the Ronaldo-Messi rivalry define football excellence, the question shifts to what comes next for Portugal—and who carries the torch for the next generation.

Will Portugal's new generation led by Goncalo Ramos and João Félix sustain the success Ronaldo built, or does his departure leave a void no single player can fill?

SOURCE: https://www.channelstv.com/2026/11/05/cristiano-ronaldos-five-defining-moments-with-portugal/