Cristiano Ronaldo retires as son earns first Portugal U17 call-up
- Cristiano Ronaldo retires with 146 goals in 234 international appearances.
- Cristiano Ronaldo Jr. was named to the 23-player Portugal U17 roster.
- Portugal's U17 qualifying matches begin on 11 November against Andorra.
- Ronaldo will continue his club career at Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia.
- The retirement follows a turbulent period involving the national team coaching staff.
Cristiano Ronaldo announced his retirement from international football on Nov. 5, 2026. His career included 146 goals in 234 appearances for Portugal. The 41-year-old confirmed his departure in an emotional video posted on Instagram.
The Instagram caption stated "Portugal estará sempre em mim," which translates to "Portugal will always be in me". This retirement ends an international career that established statistical records which may take years to match.
Cristiano Ronaldo Jr. named to Portugal U17 squad
Cristiano Ronaldo Jr., 16, received his first invitation to the Portugal Under-17 national team. Manager Filipe Ramos named him to the 23-player roster for the upcoming European Championship qualifiers in November.
The squad selection marks the first time the teenager has been called up to the Under-17 level. While a Facebook post previously reported a call-up for the Under-15 team, he now joins the Under-17 side for the tournament.
Ronaldo’s international legacy and records
Ronaldo began his Portugal career in 2003. He left with 146 goals in 234 matches, the nation’s all‑time leading scorer and most‑capped player. He played in six World Cups, won Euro 2016 and two UEFA Nations League titles. His Euro 2016 triumph marked Portugal’s first major trophy. He also helped secure Nations League victories in 2019 and 2025.
Ronaldo Jr.’s development and previous national experience
Ronaldo Jr. scored five goals in 13 games for Portugal’s Under‑15 and Under‑16 sides. He trains in Al Nassr’s academy, the same club where his father stars. Earlier this year reports said he was close to training with Al Nassr’s senior squad but he remains at the academy level. A LinkedIn profile lists him as an Athlete based in Madeira Island, with experience at Al Nassr Club Company.
Portugal U17 European Championship qualifying schedule
Portugal’s Under-17 team will face Andorra on 11 November, Bulgaria on 14 November and Serbia on 17 November in European Championship qualifying matches. All three contests will take place in Lisbon.
Ronaldo’s future at Al Nassr and goal target
Cristiano Ronaldo will continue playing club football for Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia. He maintains a personal target of 1,000 senior career goals.
In a Vogue interview published in August, Ronaldo said, "This is probably my last year of football, and I want to leave a spectacular legacy".
Not only physically but psychologically. Reports note the possibility that father and son could eventually share the field together.
Turbulent path to international retirement
On 24 September 2026, Ronaldo appeared at the Nations League match between Portugal and Wales in Lisbon, where he was seen clapping during warm-ups.
He had previously considered international retirement after the 2026 World Cup and prepared a farewell letter, but Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença persuaded him to stay.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Cristiano Ronaldo Jr. called up to Portugal U-17 team for first time (usatoday.com)
- Cristiano Ronaldo's eldest son earns first Portugal U17 call ... (timesofindia.indiatimes.com)
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- Cristiano Ronaldo Retires from Portugal National Team After Legendary Career (gulfnews.com)
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- Cristiano Ronaldo’s eldest son earns first Portugal U17 call-up as father brings international career to an end (timesofindia.indiatimes.com)
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