Cristiano Ronaldo’s international career has ended in controversy, with the forward retiring from Portugal duty after a dispute over his treatment by new coach Jorge Jesus.
The decision came after Jesus managed Ronaldo’s minutes during last month’s UEFA Nations League fixtures. Ronaldo then left the Portugal squad on a private jet, protesting against his treatment. He was given a 30-day suspension and a nominal fine, while Jesus is due to name his next Portugal squad a day after the retirement announcement.
It was an uncomfortable conclusion to a career that, at its peak, was exceptional. Ronaldo’s final years were marked by mockery rather than the affection offered to Lionel Messi in Argentina. Many viewed him as a hindrance to Roberto Martinez’s side, arguing that his age – he played this summer’s World Cup at 41 – and reduced work rate weakened Portugal.
Ronaldo’s decline became clear at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where he scored once before being dropped by Fernando Santos. Goncalo Ramos scored a hat-trick against Switzerland in his place, appearing to signal the end of Ronaldo’s international career.
He continued under Martinez at Euro 2024, where he failed to score, and remained involved at this year’s World Cup. After scoring twice against Uzbekistan, he declared: “I’m back!” By then, however, he was a diminished version of the forward who had dominated international football, while his club career was continuing in Saudi Arabia with Al Nassr.
Between 2004 and 2018, Ronaldo was one of the game’s most formidable players. He combined explosive pace, a rapid step-over, strength, power and an extraordinary leap with ruthless finishing. At his peak, he was also arguably the world’s best free-kick taker, as his strike against Spain in the 3-3 draw at Russia 2018 demonstrated.
His achievements for Portugal remain unmatched. He inspired victory at Euro 2016, even directing his team-mates from the touchline in the final against France in Paris after suffering an early injury. He scored a record 146 international goals, with 22 years separating his first and last.
Messi, who retired from international football with Argentina last month, is second on 126 goals, while no current player has reached 100. Belgium’s Romelu Lukaku has 94, Poland’s Robert Lewandowski 92 and England’s Harry Kane 91.
Ronaldo also holds the appearance record with 234, ahead of Messi on 208. Croatia’s Luka Modric has 206 and Qatar’s Hassan Al-Haydos 193, meaning Ronaldo’s mark may remain untouched.
His 23-year international career helped transform Portugal. Before his 2003 debut, they had qualified for only three World Cups and three Euros. Since then, they have reached six of each without missing a tournament.
Portugal now possess depth and talent through Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Joao Neves, Pedro Neto, Vitinha and Nuno Mendes. They no longer need the Ronaldo of the 2020s, but the player they should remember is the one who carried them and helped make Portugal a major international force.
