Guinness World Records hails Ronaldo after Portugal retirement

Cristiano Ronaldo. Photo: BBC

Guinness World Records has celebrated Cristiano Ronaldo’s record-breaking international career following his announcement of retirement from Portugal’s national team after 23 years.

The global record-keeping organisation, in a post on its X handle on Thursday, noted that the 41-year-old forward was leaving international football with 234 appearances and 146 goals, both records in men’s international football.

“Cristiano Ronaldo officially retires from international football. He retires with the most caps in international football (234) and the most goals in international football (146),” GWR stated.

Ronaldo announced his retirement in a video posted on social media on Thursday, saying he was ready to hand over Portugal’s iconic number seven shirt to the next generation.

“To the Portuguese people, the day has come for me to hand back the number 7 shirt of our national team.

“I never felt it belonged to me alone, but for 23 years I had the privilege and responsibility of wearing it, defending it and carrying it with me into stadiums all around the world.

“Today, the time has come to pass it on to the future. It was not an easy decision, because some decisions are not made with the mind alone. They are also made with the heart,” he said.

Ronaldo made his international debut in August 2003 and went on to captain Portugal to their first major international trophy at the 2016 European Championship. He also helped the country win the UEFA Nations League in 2019 and 2025.

His retirement announcement followed weeks of uncertainty over his international future after a disagreement with Portugal coach Jorge Jesus.

The Al-Nassr forward left the national team camp in September after being left out of the starting line-up, triggering speculation about a possible fallout with the coach and disciplinary action.

In an October statement, however, Ronaldo dismissed suggestions that he was retiring at the time, saying he remained available for national team duty if physically fit.

His Thursday announcement brings the uncertainty to an end, with his final international appearance coming in Portugal’s 1-0 Nations League victory over Wales on September 24.

Ronaldo leaves the national team as its most-capped player and highest goalscorer, having scored 146 goals in 234 appearances.