Portugal Plans Tribute to Cristiano Ronaldo After National Team Exit

Portugal’s football federation plans to honor Cristiano Ronaldo after he ended his 23-year career with the national team. The 41-year-old leaves with men’s international records of 234 appearances and 146 goals. The federation called his departure definitive and said it would not let it pass without a tribute, but has yet to share specific plans.

Ronaldo announced his decision before the federation revealed its squad for the upcoming matches against Wales and Denmark. His exit followed a public dispute with new head coach Jorge Jesus. Ronaldo had accepted a disciplinary punishment, and his inclusion in the squad had been widely anticipated.

In a farewell video, Ronaldo reflected on his time with Portugal and the connection he had with supporters. He said goals, trophies and records eventually fade, but the place players hold in people’s hearts endures. He also thanked those who had helped him and said he hoped his goals had made people proud of their country.

Ronaldo helped Portugal win its first major international trophy at the 2016 European Championship, then added Nations League titles in 2019 and 2025. The federation described him as an inspiring leader and a symbol of the national team. Its statement expressed a desire to help arrange a fitting celebration, but Ronaldo’s declaration that he will not play for Portugal again leaves a match-based farewell uncertain.

Ronaldo continues to play club soccer for Saudi Arabia’s Al-Nassr and is closing in on 1,000 career goals.