Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to an illustrious 23-year career with Portugal. The 41-year-old forward confirmed his decision in a video message posted on Instagram, marking the end of an era for Portuguese football.Ronaldo bows out as the highest goalscorer and most-capped player in men's international football, having made 234 appearances and scored 146 goals for Portugal since his debut in 2003.Throughout his remarkable international career, Ronaldo established himself as one of the most influential figures in Portuguese football history. Under his leadership, Portugal won their first-ever UEFA European Championship in 2016, followed by the UEFA Nations League title in 2019.The five-time Ballon d'Or winner represented his country in five FIFA World Cups and six European Championships, setting records and delivering memorable performances on the international stage.Speculation over Ronaldo's international future intensified following Portugal's exit from the 2026 World Cup. He had previously admitted that he had considered retiring from international football but eventually decided to continue playing.Reports of tensions between Ronaldo and Portugal coach Jorge Jesus had also attracted attention in recent months. The situation became particularly noticeable in September when Ronaldo was left on the bench for a Nations League match against Norway, sparking public discomfort.However, it remains unclear whether the reported disagreement played any role in his decision to retire from international football. With his departure, Portugal lose not only their most prolific goalscorer but also a defining figure who helped transform the country's standing in world football.