Guinness World Records has officially paid tribute to Cristiano Ronaldo following his announcement that he is retiring from international football after a 23-year career with Portugal. The organization highlighted the 41-year-old’s historic status as the men’s international football record holder for both most appearances and most goals.
In a post shared on its X account on Thursday, Guinness World Records noted that Ronaldo is bowing out with 234 appearances and 146 goals, figures that stand as all-time records in the sport. “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),” the organization stated.
“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,” Ronaldo said in a video posted on social media.
Ronaldo’s decision to step away from the national team follows weeks of uncertainty regarding his future, sparked by a disagreement with Portugal coach Jorge Jesus. The Al-Nassr forward had left the national team camp in September after being omitted from the starting lineup, which triggered speculation about a potential fallout and disciplinary action. However, in an October statement, Ronaldo dismissed immediate retirement rumors, stating he remained available for national duty if physically fit.
The former Real Madrid and Manchester United star made his international debut in August 2003. During his tenure, he captained Portugal to their first major international trophy at the 2016 European Championship and later helped the country secure UEFA Nations League titles in 2019 and 2025.
Ronaldo’s final international appearance came in Portugal’s 1-0 Nations League victory over Wales on September 24. He leaves the national team as its most-capped player and highest goalscorer, concluding a career that saw him hold the global records for both metrics in men’s international football.
<small>Source: The Sun Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>
