His powers have been waning, and he fell out with national coach Jorge Jesus after refusing to play him in a Nations League match. He left the team camp and was handed a 30‑day suspension.

He announced via Instagram that he had played his last match for Portugal, handing back the number seven shirt. He said the decision was not easy and was driven by both mind and heart, wanting to pass the shirt to the future.

The Portuguese Football Federation said it would organise a fitting tribute to his immense career. Ronaldo’s retirement reminds us that even legends must choose when to step aside for the next generation.