Billionaire Soccer Legend Cristiano Ronaldo Announces Retirement From Portugal National Team
· Yahoo Sports
Topline
Billionaire soccer legend Cristiano Ronaldo announced Thursday he will retire from Portugal’s national team, ending a record-breaking career that spanned two decades and made him one of the world’s wealthiest athletes, just a month after longtime rival Lionel Messi played his final game for Argentina.
Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal reacts during the UEFA Nations League 2026/27 group phase match between Portugal and Wales at Estadio Jose Alvalade in Lisbon, Portugal.
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Getty ImagesKey Facts
In an emotional video shared on social media, Ronaldo said the day had come for him to “hand back the number 7 shirt of our national team,” after representing Portugal for 23 years.
In the video, the soccer legend is seen sitting on a couch and reading out his statement from a paper, intercut with clips of highlights from his international career.
Ronaldo said this was not an easy decision to make as “some decisions are not made with the mind alone. They are also made with the heart.”
The soccer star said throughout his international career with the Portuguese team, he had always pushed himself “beyond my limits” and demanded the “most of myself” in the pursuit of winning and making history.
As he reflected on the highs and lows of his international career, Ronaldo also thanked his teammates, coaches, family and fans.
Forbes Valuation
According to our estimates, Ronaldo’s net worth is around $1.2 billion, making him one of the world’s wealthiest athletes alongside fellow soccer legend Lionel Messi, who is worth $1.1 billion. He is one of only four active athletes alongside Messi, NBA superstar LeBron James and golfer Tiger Woods to attain billionaire status. Ronaldo is also the world’s highest-paid soccer player, with earnings of $300 million for the 2026-27 season, including an estimated $250 million in on-field earnings from Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr and $50 million from endorsements and other business ventures.
big number
146. That is the total number of international goals Ronaldo has scored for Portugal, the most by any player in men’s international soccer history. The Portuguese legend also holds the men’s international appearances record, with 234 caps.
This article was originally published on Forbes.com