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World-renowned football star Cristiano Ronaldo (41, Al-Nassr) will put an end to his 23-year career as a Portugal international.
The International Football Association Board (FIFA) announced on its official website on the 5th (Korean time) that Ronaldo has declared his retirement from the Portugal national team.
Reuters also reported, "Ronaldo stated that he will step down from the Portugal national team." Ronaldo is scheduled to take off the national team jersey after the upcoming November international match window.
Ronaldo posted a video on his social media, stating, "To the people of Portugal, the day has come when I must return the No. 7 jersey of our national team."
He continued, "I have never thought this jersey belonged to me alone. However, for the past 23 years, I have enjoyed the privilege and responsibility of wearing, guarding, and bringing this jersey to stadiums around the world."
Ronaldo said, "Now is the time to pass it on to the future. It was not an easy decision. Because some decisions must be made not only with the head but also with the heart," adding, "The journey that began in August 2003 and forever changed my life has now come to an end."
Ronaldo is a living legend of Portuguese football. After making his international debut at the age of 18 in August 2003, he played for the national team for a remarkable 23 years. During this time, he appeared in a total of 234 matches and scored 146 goals. Both records are world records for most appearances and most goals in men's international football history.
His trophy cabinet is also impressive. As captain, Ronaldo led Portugal to the top of the 2016 European Football Championship (Euro 2016), securing the country's first major tournament victory. He also won the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) Nations League in 2019 and 2025.
He also left a historic mark at the World Cup. Ronaldo participated in six consecutive tournaments, from the 2006 Germany World Cup to the 2026 North America World Cup. In particular, he became the first player to score goals in all six World Cups. His total World Cup goal tally is 11.
However, he ultimately failed to fulfill his final dream of winning the World Cup. Ronaldo attempted to reach the summit at this year's North America World Cup as well, but Portugal was eliminated after losing 0-1 to Spain in the Round of 16. Spain went on to win the tournament.
While Ronaldo's international career was glamorous, the final chapter was not smooth.
Reuters also highlighted the fact that Ronaldo had a conflict with Portugal national team manager Jorge Jeju before announcing his retirement.
The outlet reported, "Ronaldo left the Portugal national team camp without permission ahead of the Nations League match against Denmark in September and did not return afterward."
It continued, "He claimed that he left the national team because Manager Jorge Jeju did not keep his promise," adding, "Manager Jeju denied having any agreement with Ronaldo. However, he left open the possibility of Ronaldo's return to the national team."
Ronaldo apologized for his actions while expressing that he is still ready to play for the Portugal national team.
However, he could not avoid disciplinary action. The Portuguese Football Federation imposed a 30-day suspension and a fine of 255 euros (approximately 400,000 won) on Ronaldo.
Subsequently, Ronaldo finally announced his retirement from the national team. Although he dedicated 23 years to Portuguese football and wrote numerous historic pages, he ended up facing a bitter situation involving conflict with his manager and disciplinary sanctions at the very end.
Portugal will play a home Nations League match against Denmark in Braga on the 15th before traveling to Wales for an away match on the 18th. This November international schedule is expected to be Ronaldo's final stage as a national team player.
The Portuguese Football Federation also issued a statement following the announcement of Ronaldo's retirement, expressing deep gratitude. The federation stated, "Our captain was more than an outstanding player; he was an inspiring leader, a model of dedication, and the ultimate figure symbolizing the spirit of the national team."
National team teammate Bruno Fernandes also sent a farewell message, saying, "Thank you for the inspiration. It was an honor to share great moments with the national team alongside a player who was my idol in childhood."
After retiring from the national team, Ronaldo is scheduled to continue his playing career at Saudi Arabia's Al-Nassr.
Finally, Ronaldo said, "I have devoted my life to becoming the best player in the world. But today I realized that my greatest victory was being worthy of the honor of representing one of the finest countries in the world," revealing his affection for the Portugal national team.
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*This content was translated by AI.View Original
