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Portugal's football federation is set to honor Cristiano Ronaldo's 23-year international career with a "fitting tribute" to the nation's greatest footballer of all time.
Ronaldo has chosen to retire from international duty after setting world records for most caps (234) and goals (146) in men's international football, though the announcement caught many off guard given that a return under coach Jorge Jesus had been widely anticipated this month.
Claiming a historic third UEFA Nations League title was among Ronaldo's final ambitions for his international career, as his overall playing days are expected to wind down by next summer, along with his pursuit of 1,000 career goals.
The national football federation referred to Ronaldo as Portugal's "eternal captain" in an official statement, expressing "enduring gratitude" to a player who has transformed how the world perceives both the national team and Portugal as a country.
"It is with a feeling of profound gratitude and immense admiration that the Portuguese Football Federation publicly praises and thanks Cristiano Ronaldo for his absolutely extraordinary career serving our country," the statement read.
"More than just an outstanding athlete, our captain was an inspiring leader, an example of dedication, and the ultimate symbol of the spirit of our National Team."
While a World Cup title remained beyond his reach, Ronaldo guided Portugal to their first-ever major international trophy at Euro 2016, followed by Nations League triumphs in 2018–19 and 2024–25.
"Every drop of sweat, every decisive goal, and every captain's armband worn with pride on the field reflected his unconditional love for our jersey. His dedication and legacy transcend the four lines of the pitch. Cristiano Ronaldo has elevated Portugal's name and inspired generations of young people who dream of following in his footsteps, being, for many of us, the best player of all time! Therefore, the Portuguese Football Federation refuses to let this farewell take place without due tribute."
How Will Portugal's Soccer Federation Honor Cristiano Ronaldo?
The federation has yet to reveal the specifics of its plans. The statement provided no concrete details, expressing only a "firm and immense desire to organize, plan, participate and actively collaborate in what will always be a fitting tribute to Cristiano Ronaldo's immense career."
The federation has described his international retirement as "definitive," which may rule out a special farewell friendly — similar to the one Argentina organized for Lionel Messi last month — where Benin was brought to Buenos Aires for a tribute match featuring specially designed jerseys in Messi's honor.
Should that be the case, Ronaldo's final appearance in a Portugal shirt would remain the 67 minutes he logged in a forgettable victory over Wales — a rather anticlimactic send-off for a legendary career.
Portugal lacks a dedicated national stadium that could be renamed in his honor, leaving the federation with options such as organizing a future international match themed around Ronaldo's career and legacy — without him playing — or staging a standalone celebratory event in his name.