After 23 years of unforgettable moments, remarkable achievements and records that have redefined football history, Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an extraordinary chapter of his illustrious career to an emotional close.
Cristiano Ronaldo has brought the curtain down on his illustrious international career with Portugal, ending a remarkable journey that established him as one of the greatest footballers of all time.
The 41-year-old forward, who currently plays for Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr, leaves international football with an extraordinary collection of records and achievements, including becoming the highest goalscorer in men’s international football.
Although his international career is over, Ronaldo remains determined to reach another historic milestone: scoring 1,000 career goals. He currently has 985 goals across club and international football.
From his breakthrough at Manchester United to his record-breaking achievements at Real Madrid and his international triumph with Portugal, BBC Sport reflects on some of the defining moments of his career.
The friendly that changed everything
Ronaldo’s journey to global stardom began at Sporting Lisbon, where his impressive performances attracted the attention of Manchester United.
During a pre-season friendly in 2003, the young winger delivered an outstanding display against United, helping Sporting secure a 3-1 victory.
His performance impressed then United manager Sir Alex Ferguson and several players, who urged the Scottish coach to sign him.
Five days later, Ronaldo completed a £12m move to Old Trafford, beginning a career that would transform him into a global superstar.
First Premier League title and European glory
Ronaldo’s development at Manchester United gathered momentum during the 2006-07 season when he scored 17 Premier League goals to help the club win the title.
He was named both Premier League Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year.
The following campaign proved even more successful as he won another league title and helped United lift the Champions League trophy, scoring in the final against Chelsea.
Porto wonder goal earns Puskas Award
In 2009, Ronaldo produced one of the most memorable goals of his Manchester United career against Porto in the Champions League.
His spectacular long-range strike from approximately 40 yards secured United’s progression to the semi-finals and earned him the inaugural FIFA Puskas Award.
Months later, he joined Real Madrid in a then-world-record £80m transfer.
El Clasico winner and Real Madrid records
Ronaldo delivered another iconic moment in 2011 when he scored the winning goal in Real Madrid’s Copa del Rey final victory over Barcelona.
His extra-time header secured a 1-0 victory and ended Madrid’s seven-year wait for the trophy.
In October 2015, he became Real Madrid’s all-time leading goalscorer after scoring against Levante, eventually finishing his spell at the Spanish club with an extraordinary 450 goals in 438 appearances.
Portugal’s historic Euro 2016 triumph
One of the most significant achievements of Ronaldo’s career came in 2016 when Portugal won their first European Championship.
Although he was forced off injured during the final against France, Ronaldo continued encouraging his teammates from the sidelines as Portugal secured a 1-0 extra-time victory.
He finished the tournament with three goals and three assists and remains the European Championship’s leading goalscorer with 14 goals.
Fifth Ballon d’Or and Champions League dominance
Ronaldo won his fifth Ballon d’Or in 2017 after helping Real Madrid secure both the Champions League and La Liga titles.
He also became the first player to score 100 Champions League goals, achieving the landmark against Bayern Munich.
In 2018, his spectacular bicycle kick against Juventus in the Champions League quarter-final became one of the competition’s most celebrated goals.
That year, he became the first player to win the Champions League five times, having lifted the trophy once with Manchester United and four times with Real Madrid.
International goals record and the 1,000-goal ambition
In 2021, Ronaldo surpassed Iran’s Ali Daei to become the highest goalscorer in men’s international football, reaching 111 goals with two late headers against the Republic of Ireland.
He eventually finished his Portugal career with 146 international goals in 234 appearances, both extraordinary records.
Another historic achievement followed in 2024 when he became the first player to score 900 official senior career goals.
His tally has since increased to 985, comprising 450 for Real Madrid, 145 for Manchester United, 101 for Juventus, 138 for Al-Nassr, five for Sporting Lisbon and 146 for Portugal.
With 15 goals separating him from the unprecedented 1,000-goal milestone, Ronaldo’s pursuit of football history continues, even as he bids farewell to international football.
