Cristiano Ronaldo announced November 5 that he intends to end his Portugal career after the November international break, closing a national-team run that began in August 2003.

The timing matters: the announcement is a decision about his international future, rather than confirmation that all of his Portugal appearances are already over. Reuters reported that November’s remaining Nations League group matches offer his final opportunities to add to his totals.

At the announcement, the 41-year-old held the men’s international records with 234 appearances and 146 goals. FIFA’s account says he scored at six World Cups, finishing his 2026 tournament with three goals and 11 across his World Cup career.

Ronaldo captained Portugal to the 2016 European Championship and Nations League titles in 2019 and 2025.

The retirement applies to international football. FIFA reported that he will continue playing club football for Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia. Portugal now faces the task of building beyond a player who occupied a central role for more than two decades.