Reports are once again circulating online claiming that Cristiano Ronaldo’s career with the Portugal national team has come to an end. However, the 41-year-old striker himself has previously stated that he has no intention of giving up playing for the national team. Following a row with head coach Jorge Jesus, the footballer left the national team’s training camp, but emphasised that he is ready to return and continue fighting for trophies.
- Reports that Ronaldo has retired from the national team have not yet been confirmed.
- In October, the footballer stated that he was ready to continue playing for Portugal.
- After the 2026 World Cup, Ronaldo had considered ending his international career, but changed his mind.
- A row with coach Jorge Jesus has cast doubt on the striker’s return.
Has Ronaldo announced the end of his international career?
Questions about the future Cristiano Ronaldo There has been lively discussion within the national team following the events at the end of September 2026.
The striker then left the Portuguese side’s training camp following a row with the head coach Jorge Jesus. This was due to disagreements regarding his participation in Nations League matches.
Reports have appeared in the media that the footballer has made a final decision to end his international career for Portugal. However, on 6 October Ronaldo issued a detailed statement in which he explained the reasons behind his decision and refuted speculation that his career was coming to an immediate end.
He admitted that leaving the team had been wrong, apologised to his teammates and the Portuguese fans, and stated that he was prepared to accept any disciplinary action that might be taken.
At the same time, the striker emphasised that, provided he is in good physical condition and once disciplinary issues have been resolved, he will remain available for the national team.
After the World Cup, Ronaldo really did consider leaving
Ronaldo admitted that he had considered retiring from international football for Portugal after the 2026 World Cup.
At the World Cup, the Portuguese were knocked out in the round of 16, losing 0–1 to Spain. The footballer confirmed that this was his last World Cup.
According to the striker, after the tournament he had even prepared a farewell message to the fans. However, the president of the Portuguese Football Federation, Pedro Proença, persuaded him to reconsider his decision.
Ronaldo subsequently agreed to continue his international career and named winning the 2026/27 Nations League as one of his goals.
The Portuguese Football Federation has denied reports of a resignation
Following the conflict with the manager in September, the Portuguese Football Federation also responded to rumours regarding the captain’s future.
A spokesperson for the federation stated that Ronaldo had not informed the organisation of his decision to bring his international career to a definitive end.
Despite disagreements with the coaching staff, the question of whether he would continue to play in matches remained unresolved.
According to Sky Sports, Ronaldo has also promised to play one or more farewell matches when he does decide to retire from international football.
Ronaldo remains the record-holder in world football
Cristiano made his debut for the Portuguese national team in 2003 and remained one of the team’s key players for over two decades.
As of October 2026, he had played 234 matches and scored 146 goals at international level — both figures are world records for men.
As part of the national team, Ronaldo won the 2016 European Championship and was crowned UEFA Nations League champion twice — in 2019 and 2025.
The exact date of his departure from the national team has not yet been announced.
