Cristiano Ronaldo bids farewell to the national team! 23‑year adventure ends

Cristiano Ronaldo, who is among the unforgettable names in the world of football, has decided to say goodbye to the Portugal national team. The star player who first wore the national jersey in August 2003 announced on his social media account that his 23‑year international career has ended.

At 41, Ronaldo described in a long message the unforgettable moments he experienced in the national team jersey, the successes he achieved, and the bond he forged with the Portuguese people. The star, thanking teammates, family, and supporters, said he would now pass the number 7 shirt on to a new generation.

He is passing the number 7 shirt to future generations.

Ronaldo, stating that his journey with the national team did not end with an easy farewell for him, emphasized that the number 7 jersey he carried for 23 years carried great responsibility.

In his statement, the star player said that the adventure that began in August 2003 had changed his life, and that it was time to hand the jersey over to future players.

While reflecting on his national team career, Ronaldo said he remembered not only the goals he scored and the trophies he won, but also the millions of people who supported him in the stands.

I never surrendered

Ronaldo, who described experiencing both great victories and defeats he could never forget, said he fought throughout his career to represent his country in the best possible way.

The star footballer, who acknowledged occasionally experiencing failures and periods when he could not meet fans' expectations, stated that despite this, he never gave up the fight.

Ronaldo emphasized that although the successes of his football career may eventually fade, the traces he left in people's hearts are permanent.

If I made you happy even once, it was worth everything

Addressing the Portuguese people as well, Ronaldo said that the happiness he brought people with his goals is one of his most valuable gains.

The star player said that the national team is not only about on‑field results, but also brings people from different backgrounds together around a shared emotion.

Ronaldo, who stated that he believes the new generation of players will also represent Portugal successfully on the international stage, noted that his country will continue to develop new heroes in the future.

He thanked his family and teammates.

In his farewell message, Ronaldo, who did not forget the players he wore a jersey with and the national team staff, said that assuming the captaincy was a great privilege for him.

The star player, who thanked everyone who supported him—from the technical staff and medical personnel to the managers and back‑of‑the‑field staff—also specifically highlighted his family's sacrifices.

He said that the understanding he received during times when he was away from his family because of the national team has played an important role in his career.

"There is only one passion: Portugal"

Ronaldo said that the moments when the national anthem was played hold a special place in his memory throughout his career.

The player, noting that millions of people—from children in the stands to parents, to supporters from different countries—gathered in the same emotion, drew attention to the power of the national team that brings people together.

The star player said that even though he will not play on the field in the national kit, he will continue to follow Portugal's successes and stand by his country.

146 goals in 234 matches wearing the Portugal shirt.

Cristiano Ronaldo first wore the Portugal national team jersey in 2003. Over the 23-year period he has spent, the star player appeared in 234 matches and crossed the opponent's goal line 146 times.

With this performance, Ronaldo, who holds the titles of most matches played and most goals scored in the national team's history, has etched his name into international football history.

The star footballer, concluding his farewell message by stating that representing Portugal is the greatest triumph of his life, said that the pride he feels wearing the number 7 jersey will stay with him.