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Cristiano Ronaldo International Retirement: Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal, one of the greatest players in the world of football, has bid farewell to international football. On Thursday (November 5), Ronaldo officially announced his retirement by sharing an emotional video on social media.
After wearing his nation's jersey for 23 years, this decision by Ronaldo has become a deeply emotional moment for football fans.
Cristiano Ronaldo Retirement: The Iconic No. 7 Jersey
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In his video message, addressing his fans and fellow countrymen, Ronaldo stated that the time has come for him to say goodbye to his iconic 'number 7' jersey.
"For the Portuguese people, the day has come to return our national team's number 7 jersey. I never imagined that it would belong solely to me. But for 23 years, I had the privilege and the responsibility of wearing it, defending it, and carrying it with me to stadiums across the globe. Today, it is time to pass it on to the next generation. This was not an easy decision."
Portugal estará sempre em mim https://t.co/dnFj51rxmh
— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) November 5, 2026
"Football is About People": A Decision Driven by Emotion
Reflecting on his journey, Ronaldo shared that this decision was made not just with his mind, but with his heart. He noted that this journey, which began in August 2003, completely transformed his life.
According to Ronaldo, when he looks back, he sees more than just goals, records, or trophies; he sees the people who were connected to him—from the Portuguese diaspora living in distant lands to the millions of fans he may have never met in person.
He stated, "Football is much more than just a game. Football is, at its core, about the people."Giving Everything for Portugal: Passion, Glory, and Regrets
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Throughout his career, Ronaldo always strove to push his limits and become the best. He shared that while there were historic victories he could never forget, there were also defeats that still cause pain today.
Ronaldo acknowledged that there were failures and difficult moments when he could not fulfill the hopes of his fellow countrymen, yet he never gave up. Representing Portugal always remained his greatest source of pride.
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Cristiano Ronaldo International Career Stats and World Cup Dream
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Although Ronaldo achieved countless milestones during his international career, he was never able to lift the World Cup trophy. He concluded his international journey carrying this one regret.
Key Highlights of Ronaldo's International Career:
- Total Matches: 234
- Total Goals: 146
- International Debut: August 20, 2003 (against Kazakhstan)
- First International Goal: 2004 (against Greece)
Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure from the international stage marks the end of a golden chapter in football. His records, his dedication to the sport, and his passion on the pitch will continue to inspire generations to come.
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