Cristiano Ronaldo Announces Retirement From International Football

Cristiano Ronaldo announced his retirement from Portugal’s national team on November 5, 2026, according to the Associated Press . The announcement supersedes October reports that he could return for Portugal’s November fixtures.

However, AP’s confirmation does not establish that Ronaldo will play those matches before retiring. The claim that he will leave international football only after the November break remains unsubstantiated by the latest reporting.

The distinction matters because Ronaldo’s inclusion in an earlier preliminary squad indicated a possible return, not a confirmed farewell appearance. Following the retirement announcement, he is no longer expected to play against Denmark or Wales this month.

Portugal’s November Fixtures

According to the Portuguese Football Federation’s fixture guide , Portugal has two UEFA Nations League Group A4 matches scheduled:

November 14: Portugal hosts Denmark at Estádio Municipal de Braga in Braga.

November 17: Portugal visits Wales at Cardiff City Stadium in Cardiff.

Both matches are scheduled to begin at 7:45 p.m. local time, or 2:45 p.m. US Eastern.

On October 27, AFP reported that an FPF spokesperson had confirmed Ronaldo’s inclusion in the preliminary squad for those games. The final squad was due to be announced on November 6.

That preliminary selection preceded his retirement announcement and should not be presented as confirmation that he will participate in either fixture.

How His Position Changed

Ronaldo’s November 5 decision follows earlier statements that he remained available for Portugal.

On September 23, RTÉ reported that he had considered international retirement after the World Cup, but said discussions with Portugal’s president and coach had persuaded him to continue. At that point, he said he still believed he could help the team.

On October 6, Sky Sports reported that Ronaldo apologized to teammates and supporters after leaving Portugal’s training camp following a disagreement with coach Jorge Jesus. He said he remained available provided he was physically fit, playing for his club and had served any suspension.

Those statements explain why a November return was being discussed. They do not contradict a subsequent change of position: the latest development is the retirement announcement reported on November 5.

For now, the confirmed development is Ronaldo’s international retirement, not a scheduled farewell after Portugal’s November matches. Any future tribute should be distinguished from an appearance in competitive international football.