Portuguese football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football after an illustrious 23-year career, leaving behind a remarkable legacy in the history of the sport.
With 234 appearances and 146 goals for Portugal, Ronaldo helped his country achieve several historic milestones and established himself as one of the greatest footballers of all time.
Here are seven of the most memorable moments from his international career.
1. First International Goal at Euro 2004
At just 19 years old, Ronaldo attracted global attention by scoring his first international goal against Greece during Euro 2004, marking the beginning of an extraordinary journey with Portugal.
2. Victory Over England at the 2006 World Cup
During the 2006 FIFA World Cup quarter-final against England, Ronaldo converted a decisive penalty in the shootout, helping Portugal advance to the semi-finals.
3. Hat-Trick Against Sweden in 2013
Ronaldo delivered a stunning performance against Sweden in a 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying match, scoring three goals to secure Portugal’s place in the tournament.
4. Euro 2016 Triumph
One of the defining moments of Ronaldo’s career came at Euro 2016. Despite leaving the final against France early due to injury, he continued encouraging his teammates from the sidelines as Portugal secured its first major international trophy.
5. Hat-Trick Against Spain at the 2018 World Cup
Ronaldo produced one of the greatest individual performances of the 2018 FIFA World Cup, scoring a sensational hat-trick, including a memorable free-kick, to earn Portugal a 3-3 draw against Spain.
6. International Goalscoring Record in 2021
In 2021, Ronaldo scored twice against Ireland, taking his international tally to 111 goals and becoming the highest-scoring player in men’s international football at the time.
7. Nations League Glory in 2025
Ronaldo played another important role in Portugal’s success at the 2025 UEFA Nations League, scoring a crucial goal against Spain in the final and helping his country secure another international title.
A Legacy That Will Never Be Forgotten
From his teenage debut to historic goals and major international trophies, Cristiano Ronaldo’s journey with Portugal has been filled with unforgettable achievements.
His influence on Portuguese football and the international game will remain part of football history for generations to come.