Photo: cristiano, Instagram
Cristiano Ronaldo has made an “irreversible” decision to end his international career with Portugal, with his final appearance for the national team reportedly coming against Wales, Portuguese newspaper O Jogo reported on September 30.
The report came hours after the 41-year-old forward left Portugal’s training camp in Copenhagen ahead of Nations League matches against Denmark and Norway. The Portuguese Football Federation confirmed his departure from the camp but did not say that he had retired from international football.
Ronaldo started Portugal’s opening Nations League match against Wales but was substituted after 67 minutes. He remained an unused substitute in the subsequent 2-1 victory over Norway.
The situation intensified after Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus said on September 30 that Ronaldo would not start against Denmark. Jesus denied that there had been a major confrontation, saying the decision was related to his plans for the squad and that Ronaldo had not refused to train.
Ronaldo subsequently confirmed on Instagram that he had decided to leave the national team camp following Jesus’ press conference and a conversation with Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença. He said he would explain the reasons for his decision “in time” and wished his teammates success.
O Jogo and other Portuguese media outlets have interpreted the departure as the end of Ronaldo’s international career. However, Reuters described his international future as uncertain, while the federation has so far confirmed only that he left the current training camp.
Ronaldo made his Portugal debut in 2003 and has become the country’s most-capped player and all-time leading scorer. UEFA lists him with 234 international appearances and 146 goals, both world records in men’s international football.
During his international career, Ronaldo helped Portugal win Euro 2016 and the UEFA Nations League in 2019 and 2025.
