Cristiano Ronaldo's international retirement

Cristiano Ronaldo has retired from international football, ending a 23-year career with Portugal. The 41-year-old forward, who plays for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, announced the decision on Thursday in a video message on social media. The Guardian and Al Jazeera report that he finished with 234 appearances and 146 goals; Onlinekhabar puts his appearances at 232. He captained Portugal to the Euro 2016 title and, according to Al Jazeera, helped it win the Nations League in 2019 and 2025.

His last appearance was a 1-0 Nations League win over Wales on September 24. The Guardian and Al Jazeera report that he was kept on the bench for the next match, a win in Norway, and told he would not start the one after, so he left the training camp. Al Jazeera and Ratopati report that he was banned for 30 days and fined; Onlinekhabar also reports a suspension and fine but ties them to his conduct after the Norway match. The Portuguese Football Federation has thanked him and says it intends to organise a tribute.