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After 23 years serving his nation, Cristiano Ronaldo brought down the curtain on his Portugal career with an emotional send-off that sent shockwaves through the soccer world.
The 41-year-old acknowledged "the time has come" to hand back the No. 7 shirt to the Seleção das Quinas, closing the chapter on a storied international career. Before Ronaldo rose through the ranks, Portugal had never claimed a major trophy; he now departs with three firmly secured in the nation's collection.
The stunning decision follows a very public rift between Ronaldo and new manager Jorge Jesus during the September-October international break, stemming from limited playing time and a fiery press conference. The Real Madrid legend abruptly departed camp ahead of schedule, though all indications suggested he would return for the November window prior to Thursday's bombshell announcement.
While recent events may have clouded his relationship with the national team, they do nothing to diminish Ronaldo's legacy for Portugal. The captain bows out with 146 goals across 234 caps, both standing records in men's international soccer.
The soccer community united to celebrate the all-time great's career with an outpouring of admiration and respect.
Bruno Fernandes Hails His 'Childhood Idol'
Our Portuguese Reds react to @Cristiano's big news 🗞️🇵🇹 pic.twitter.com/2vhyfOUaQo
Leading the wave of tributes from Portugal is Bruno Fernandes's touching message. The 32-year-old shared on social media: "Thank you for the inspiration. It was an honor to share so many great moments for our country alongside my childhood idol."
Ronaldo and Fernandes claimed the 2019 and 2025 Nations League titles together. Fellow Red Devil and Portugal international Diogo Dalot also played a part in the second triumph.
"You made us dream, you made us believe and you made us WIN! Thank you, idol," Dalot wrote.
Jorge Jesus Ignores the Elephant in the Room
Jesus has been at the heart of the turmoil surrounding Portugal since the September-October international break, to the extent that supporters across the country put up billboards condemning his handling of Ronaldo.
There is reason to suspect his strained relationship with Ronaldo played a role in pushing the five-time Ballon d'Or winner toward the exit, yet he had nothing but glowing words for his former captain.
"Cristiano is a global icon, an example for Portugal and the national team. I had a massive photo of him placed in our auditorium so that every young player could look up to him each and every day," Jesus told Canal 11.
"I asked him to stay with me because I needed him by my side, but I must respect his decision."
Real Madrid's Past and Present Pay Tribute
A significant portion of Ronaldo's remarkable career unfolded while wearing the white jersey of Real Madrid. His former Bernabéu teammates, along with the club's current crop of stars, came together to honor the five-time Ballon d'Or winner.
Vinícius Júnior commented on Ronaldo's video: "Forever number 1!!!!!!"
Sergio Ramos, who won four Champions League titles alongside Ronaldo, wrote: "Really...?? Hahaha. You're a legend, bro! Enjoy the other things in life."
Lucas Vázquez called Ronaldo the "legend of legends," while both Thibaut Courtois and Marcelo showed their support with emojis.
Pepe, one of Ronaldo's closest companions at both Real Madrid and Portugal, commented: "It was more than football. Thank you for everything, Cris."
Neymar Puts Rivalry Aside
Much of Ronaldo's tenure at Real Madrid was defined by fierce competition against the likes of Neymar and Lionel Messi at Barcelona. The trio even shared the Ballon d'Or podium in both 2015 and 2017.
Nevertheless, deep mutual respect exists among the rivals. Neymar, who continued to clash with Ronaldo after moving to Paris Saint-Germain, labeled the Portuguese icon a "legend" beneath his emotional retirement announcement on Thursday.
Man Utd, Rio Ferdinand Weigh In
Congratulations on an incredible international career, @Cristiano 🐐🇵🇹
Enjoy your retirement ❤️ pic.twitter.com/7TNh0YYE3X
Ronaldo truly refined his craft during his first spell at Manchester United. Operating as a winger at the time, he captured three Premier League titles with the Red Devils, along with the 2007–08 Champions League.
United were swift to pay tribute to Ronaldo. "Congratulations on an incredible international career," they posted on social media. "Enjoy your retirement!"
A separate post from the club highlighted Ronaldo's statistics and achievements for the national team, a sentiment echoed by his former United teammate Rio Ferdinand.
Congratulations my friend @Cristiano 👊🏽❤️
You came, you saw, you conquered…
146 goals for you're country, 3 major trophies & continue to put Portugal on the world map! 🇵🇹
Keep Smiling! #cristiano #cr7 #portugal pic.twitter.com/KkZq8EzKX0
"Congratulations, my friend," Ferdinand wrote. "You came, you saw, you conquered ... 146 goals for you're [sic] country, 3 major trophies & continue to put Portugal on the world map! Keep smiling."
Even the Ballon d'Or Organizers Have Their Say
OBRIGADO, CRISTIANO. 🇵🇹✨
Cristiano Ronaldo has officially said goodbye to the Portugal national team.
Over two decades of unmatched passion, unforgettable goals, and an eternal legacy.
5 Ballons d'Or, endless historic moments, and a captain who changed Portuguese football… pic.twitter.com/jH7x1pKYDa
On the subject of Ronaldo's time at Old Trafford, the forward recently claimed the inaugural B.O.A.T. award, which recognized his 2008 Ballon d'Or as the greatest of all time, as voted by fans around the world.
That Ballon d'Or, earned for his extraordinary 2007–08 campaign with United that culminated in Premier League and Champions League glory, was the first of five Ronaldo would collect during the peak of his career.
The award's organizers paid tribute to the prolific goalscorer on social media, celebrating the "two decades of unmatched passion, unforgettable goals and an eternal legacy" that Ronaldo delivered.
"Five Ballons d'Or, endless historic moments and a captain who changed Portuguese football forever."