The key points are temporarily unavailable. You can still read the full Story below.
Main Points
Cristiano Ronaldo announced on Thursday that he will retire from international football after the November break of 2023, ending a career that spanned more than 23 years. The 41‑year‑old Portuguese forward confirmed that he will hand the number 7 shirt to a successor once the next international window concludes. Ronaldo has earned 234 caps for Portugal and scored 146 goals, making him the world’s all‑time leader in both appearances and goals for a national team. He made his debut for the senior side in August 2003 and has represented his country at six FIFA World Cups. His most notable achievements include winning the UEFA European Championship in 2016 and the UEFA Nations League in 2019 and 2025. The announcement came after Ronaldo had completed a 30‑day suspension and paid a €255 fine. He had been named in the preliminary squad for Portugal’s friendlies against Denmark on 14 November and Wales on 17 November, which raised expectations that he would return to the lineup after a recent absence. Sources close to the player say that a dispute with coach Jorge Jesus contributed to the decision. Ronaldo reportedly felt that Jesus had not honored prior agreements and expressed his frustration in a message that criticized the handling of the situation. Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Braña attempted to mediate, but the talks did not result in Ronaldo’s return to the squad. Ronaldo’s overall goal tally stands at 985, leaving him 15 goals short of the 1,000‑goal milestone that would set a new record in football history. Argentine star Lionel Messi, who retired from international play last month, has 931 goals to his name. The Portuguese Football Federation issued a statement expressing deep gratitude for Ronaldo’s contributions, noting that he has elevated Portugal’s status on the world stage and inspired generations of young players. The federation also announced plans to hold a tribute ceremony for the former captain, though a date has not yet been set. Ronaldo will continue to play at club level for Saudi club Al Nassr, with expectations that he will retire from professional football at the end of the current season. His departure marks one of the longest international careers in the sport’s history, and Portugal is preparing to honor the player who has become a global icon. Article source: Al Awsat | Image credit: Al Awsat
Cristiano Ronaldo announced on Thursday that he will retire from international football after the November break of 2023, ending a career that spanned more than 23 years. The 41‑year‑old Portuguese forward confirmed that he will hand the number 7 shirt to a successor once the next international window concludes. Ronaldo has earned 234 caps for Portugal and scored 146 goals, making him the world’s all‑time leader in both appearances and goals for a national team. He made his debut for the senior side in August 2003 and has represented his country at six FIFA World Cups. His most notable achievements include winning the UEFA European Championship in 2016 and the UEFA Nations League in 2019 and 2025. The announcement came after Ronaldo had completed a 30‑day suspension and paid a €255 fine. He had been named in the preliminary squad for Portugal’s friendlies against Denmark on 14 November and Wales on 17 November, which raised expectations that he would return to the lineup after a recent absence. Sources close to the player say that a dispute with coach Jorge Jesus contributed to the decision. Ronaldo reportedly felt that Jesus had not honored prior agreements and expressed his frustration in a message that criticized the handling of the situation. Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Braña attempted to mediate, but the talks did not result in Ronaldo’s return to the squad. Ronaldo’s overall goal tally stands at 985, leaving him 15 goals short of the 1,000‑goal milestone that would set a new record in football history. Argentine star Lionel Messi, who retired from international play last month, has 931 goals to his name. The Portuguese Football Federation issued a statement expressing deep gratitude for Ronaldo’s contributions, noting that he has elevated Portugal’s status on the world stage and inspired generations of young players. The federation also announced plans to hold a tribute ceremony for the former captain, though a date has not yet been set. Ronaldo will continue to play at club level for Saudi club Al Nassr, with expectations that he will retire from professional football at the end of the current season. His departure marks one of the longest international careers in the sport’s history, and Portugal is preparing to honor the player who has become a global icon.
News Desk is the editorial publishing account for Tringlobe Media News, covering breaking news, public affairs, entertainment, community developments and regional stories across Trinidad and Tobago, the Caribbean and internationally.
