Cristiano Ronaldo Retires from International Football with Portugal
Cristiano Ronaldo has retired from international football after playing 234 games and scoring 146 goals for Portugal. His announcement comes after a fallout with coach Jorge Jesus, who benched him during recent Nations League matches. The Portuguese Football Federation has praised his legacy and plans a farewell tribute. Ronaldo will continue playing for Al-Nassr as he aims to reach 1,000 total career goals.
Cristiano Ronaldo has officially called time on his international career with Portugal, ending a remarkable journey that began back in August 2003. Over twenty-three years, the 41-year-old forward has accumulated 234 caps and scored 146 goals. That tally stands as the all-time international scoring record in men's football.
In an emotional video published on social media, Ronaldo confirmed that he is ready to hand back the famous number 7 jersey. He explained that making this choice was difficult because decisions like this come from the heart rather than just the mind. During his long tenure, he represented his country in six World Cup tournaments and secured a European championship title in 2016.
His departure comes shortly after a dispute with national coach Jorge Jesus. Although Ronaldo featured in a 1-0 Nations League victory against Wales on 24 September, he was subsequently benched for the following match. When Jesus indicated that Ronaldo would not start in the upcoming game either, the veteran striker decided to leave the team's training camp. Despite the friction, Jesus later mentioned that the player would be welcome to return if he chose to do so.
Following the announcement, the Portuguese Football Federation released a statement expressing deep admiration for his service. Officials stated that Ronaldo raised the country's global profile and inspired millions of young athletes. The federation plans to arrange a formal tribute event so supporters can celebrate his extraordinary achievements.
While his international career has concluded, Ronaldo has not retired from sport completely. He intends to continue playing for his club, Al-Nassr, in Saudi Arabia until the end of the current season. He has scored 985 total goals so far and remains focused on reaching the 1,000-goal milestone before hanging up his boots.
Take a position. Out loud, if you can.
Four ways to start. Pick one and try saying it before you scroll on.
Tip · Record yourself, use in a notebook, or practice with a language partner.
What record does Ronaldo hold in men's international football?
Present Perfect for Recent Events with Present Relevance
We use the present perfect to talk about past actions that have direct importance or results in the present moment.
“Cristiano Ronaldo has officially called time on his international career with Portugal, ending a remarkable journey that began back in August 2003.”
What to know · B1
Try saying this aloud
Scenario: Summarizing sports headlines for colleagues.
- 01“He has officially called time on his career.”
- 02“They reached a key milestone yesterday.”
- 03“He decided to walk away after the dispute.”
Register tip · informal
🔑Key Phrases
An idiomatic phrase meaning to end a career or activity.
The midfielder has officially called time on his international career.
Expresses stepping down from a featured team position.
He chose to hand back the famous number 7 jersey to the next generation.
Describes a decisive action following a conflict.
After the argument, he decided to leave the team's training camp.
Refers to attaining a specific high-level target.
The striker is focused on reaching the 1,000-goal milestone soon.
💬Discussion Questions
Open-ended questions to talk or write about — alone, with a partner, or in class.
- 1
How should managers resolve conflicts with veteran star players?
Evaluate - 2
What impact does a star player's retirement have on team morale?
Opinion - 3
How do public video announcements compare to traditional press conferences?
Compare - 4
Do individual statistical milestones matter as much as team trophies?
Evaluate - 5
Have you ever decided to walk away from a group project or sport?
Personal - 6
Will international football become more competitive in coming years?
Predict - 7
How do sports stars inspire young fans across different nations?
Opinion - 8
Why do some famous players continue competing late in their careers?
Opinion
News sourced from: The Guardian Sport →. LectoPress rewrites the facts as original graded-reader text for language learners.
Get stories at your level, every day
B1 · EN · delivered to your inbox · unsubscribe any time
Customize language, level & topics → full preferences
