Written by
WorldCupSpain Editorial Team
Reviewed by
WorldCupSpain Editorial Desk
Updated
October 24, 2026
Methodology
Corrections
Portuguese newspaper O Jogo reported that Cristiano Ronaldo has decided to retire from international football and will not represent Portugal again. The report says the decision followed his sudden departure from the national team camp in Copenhagen and describes it as “irreversible.” Ronaldo himself has not explicitly announced an international retirement.What happened
O Jogo says Portugal’s 1-0 Nations League victory over Wales on September 24 was Ronaldo’s final appearance for his country. The newspaper ties the decision to his departure from camp after Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus’ press conference and a subsequent conversation with Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) president Pedro Proença.
Ronaldo posted that he left the camp “following the national team manager’s press conference, and after a conversation with the President of the Portuguese Football Federation,” and that he would explain “the truth” behind his departure in due course. The FPF confirmed Ronaldo had left and said preparations would continue with the remaining 24 players.
The report follows several days of tension detailed in the camp: Ronaldo stayed on the bench throughout Portugal’s 2-1 win over Norway despite being told he could feature in the second half; Jorge Jesus acknowledged Ronaldo had been angry and later said the matter was resolved. Ronaldo trained separately on Monday and Tuesday, and after Jesus told reporters he would return to group training the forward left Parken Stadium shortly afterward. Reuters reported a private jet was scheduled to take him back to Madrid that evening.
If O Jogo’s report is confirmed, Ronaldo would end a Portugal career that began in 2003. The article records his men’s international totals as 234 caps and 146 goals and lists his role as captain when Portugal won Euro 2016 and his part in the Nations League victories in 2019 and 2025.
WHY IT MATTERS
If the report is accurate, Portugal would be without their long-serving captain and the player who holds the men’s records for both international appearances and goals. That is a concrete sporting loss in terms of experience and on-field contribution. The immediate consequence is already in effect: Portugal are due to face Denmark on Thursday without their longtime captain, per the source.
WORLDCUPSPAIN ANALYSIS
The facts available show a rapid breakdown in the squad situation that included benching, separate training and intervention by the FPF president before Ronaldo left camp. Those details suggest talks took place but did not prevent his exit. The FPF’s confirmation that preparations will continue with 24 players indicates the federation and coach intend to proceed with the scheduled fixtures without him. At the same time, Ronaldo’s statement that he will explain “the truth” later leaves the public record incomplete; the reported retirement therefore remains unconfirmed until Ronaldo or the FPF provides further detail.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
- Portugal are due to play Denmark on Thursday without Cristiano Ronaldo in the squad, according to the report.
- Ronaldo has said he will give a fuller explanation for his departure at a later stage.