GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS CELEBRATES RONALDO’S 23-YEAR PORTUGAL CAREER

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By ‘Balogun Ibrahim

Guinness World Records has celebrated Cristiano Ronaldo’s remarkable international career following his announcement of retirement from Portugal’s national team after 23 years.

In a post on its X handle on Thursday, the global record-keeping organisation highlighted the 41-year-old forward’s achievements, noting that he was leaving international football with 234 appearances and 146 goals, both world records in men’s international football.

“Cristiano Ronaldo officially retires from international football. He retires with the most caps in international football (234) and the most goals in international football (146),” GWR stated.

Ronaldo announced his retirement in a video shared on social media on Thursday, declaring that he was ready to hand over Portugal’s iconic number seven shirt to the next generation.

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Addressing Portuguese supporters, the former Manchester United and Real Madrid forward described wearing the national team shirt for 23 years as a privilege and responsibility.

“To the Portuguese people, the day has come for me to hand back the number 7 shirt of our national team.

“I never felt it belonged to me alone, but for 23 years I had the privilege and responsibility of wearing it, defending it and carrying it with me into stadiums all around the world.

“Today, the time has come to pass it on to the future. It was not an easy decision, because some decisions are not made with the mind alone. They are also made with the heart,” he said.

Ronaldo made his international debut in August 2003 and went on to captain Portugal to their first major international title at the 2016 European Championship.

He also played a key role in the country’s UEFA Nations League triumphs in 2019 and 2025.

His retirement announcement followed weeks of speculation about his international future after a reported disagreement with Portugal coach Jorge Jesus.

The Al-Nassr forward left the national team camp in September after being omitted from the starting lineup, fuelling reports of a possible disagreement with the coach and potential disciplinary action.

However, in an October statement, Ronaldo dismissed suggestions that he was retiring at the time, insisting that he remained available for national team duty as long as he was physically fit.

His latest announcement has now ended the uncertainty, with his final international appearance coming in Portugal’s 1-0 Nations League victory over Wales on September 24.

Ronaldo bows out as Portugal’s most-capped player and highest goalscorer, having registered 146 goals in 234 appearances.