Cristiano Ronaldo announced his retirement from Portugal’s national team on 5 November 2026, closing an international career with 234 senior appearances and 146 goals. FIFA and Guinness World Records identify both totals as records in men’s international football. His decision concerns representing Portugal: he will continue his club career with Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, rather than stop playing football altogether.
Guinness dates the 234-appearance total to 24 September 2026. The number therefore did not come from a new match on the day of his announcement. The record organisation traces his Portugal appearances from 20 August 2003, and records that he overtook Kuwait’s Bader Al-Mutawa, who had played 196 times, in March 2023. He reached 200 appearances in June that year.
The 41-year-old’s retirement message described a decision to pass Portugal’s number-seven shirt to the future after 23 years representing his country. His national-team story also included major team trophies: Portugal won the European Championship in 2016 and the UEFA Nations League in 2019 and 2025. Individual appearance and scoring records should be distinguished from those collective tournament victories.
Portugal’s football federation responded with a statement of appreciation, praising his leadership and contribution to the national side. In the statement reproduced by Portuguese broadcaster SPORT TV, the federation said it wanted to organise a tribute so supporters could celebrate his career. That was an intention to arrange an event, not confirmation that a farewell ceremony had already taken place.
His World Cup record adds another specific measure. FIFA says Ronaldo scored in six editions, from 2006 through 2026, finishing with 11 tournament goals after three at this year’s finals. Those are World Cup goals, a subset of his 146 senior international goals. They should not be added to the international total or confused with his goals for clubs.
What it means for you: Nigerian football followers will still be able to distinguish his club appearances from the Portugal career that has ended. When comparing records, keep the category and date: men’s senior internationals, 234 appearances and 146 goals, with the retirement announced on 5 November. The announcement closes that chapter; it does not mean he scored 146 goals this year or set both records that day.