The race for his 1,000th goal continues
Cristiano Ronaldo announced his retirement from the Portugal national team on November 5, 2026, in an official five-minute video message posted online. “The day has come to hand back the number 7 shirt to our national team. <…> It was not an easy decision, because some decisions are made not only with the head, but with the heart. I am ending a journey that began in August 2003 and changed my life forever,” Ronaldo said.
The forward will continue playing at club level for Saudi side Al Nassr, where he is under contract through 2027.
Dispute with Jorge Jesus
The decision to step down follows a public dispute with national team manager Jorge Jesus. In late September 2026, Jesus benched Ronaldo for a UEFA Nations League match against Norway. In response, Ronaldo left the team camp without authorization, prompting the Portuguese Football Federation to issue a 30-day suspension.
Ronaldo issued an apology in October and affirmed his commitment to the team, but decided to retire once the ban expired.
Historic records and World Cup heartbreak
Over a 23-year international career spanning from 2003 to 2026, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner set all-time men’s international records with 234 caps and 146 goals. He helped lead Portugal to the European Championship title in 2016 and won the UEFA Nations League twice, in 2019 and 2025. Ronaldo is also the only male player in football history to score at six different World Cups.
Despite those achievements, the World Cup remained the only major trophy that eluded him. Portugal’s best run during his era came in 2006 with a fourth-place finish, followed by early exits in the next five tournaments. The missing trophy stood as the primary disappointment of his career, especially after longtime rival Lionel Messi won the tournament with Argentina in 2022. Messi officially retired from international duty just two months prior, in August 2026.
Cristiano Ronaldo targets 1,000 career goals
With his international career closed, Ronaldo’s main target is reaching the 1,000-goal mark. He currently has 985 goals after scoring a hat-trick for Al Nassr against Al-Kholood on October 29.
Ronaldo will now pursue the remaining 15 goals in club competitions. Fans have already raised speculation about a possible testimonial match. Given that Lionel Messi previously reversed his international retirement, some supporters have suggested the Portuguese Football Federation could arrange a farewell exhibition match allowing Ronaldo to score his 1,000th goal in a Portugal shirt.
