Cristiano Ronaldo Hands Back the No. 7 Shirt After 23 Years With Portugal

Cristiano Ronaldo has officially retired from representing Portugal, closing one of the longest and most decorated international careers in football. He announced the decision in an Instagram video, saying the time had come to hand back the number seven shirt of the national team to the Portuguese people.

The announcement was followed by a long written statement, reported at around 1,740 words, in which Ronaldo explained his reasoning and thanked supporters. Reaction came quickly. Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand was among those paying tribute, describing the end of an incredible era. Across social media, fans and fellow players marked the moment, with many focusing on the scale of his contribution to Portugal over more than two decades.

Ronaldo's retirement from the national side marks the end of a relationship that began in 2003 and produced a record number of appearances and goals for his country. Portugal now faces the task of rebuilding its attack without the figure who has defined the team's modern era, and the question of who will take on the number seven shirt is likely to be a talking point in the coming weeks.