Cristiano Ronaldo announced on Thursday that he is retiring from international football. His legendary 23-year journey started with a debut against Kazakhstan on 20 August 2003. From winning Euro 2016 to securing a second Nations League title on 8 June 2025, Ronaldo leaves behind many great moments for his fans.
From a teenage debut in Chaves to Portugal's second Nations League title, a look at five matches that mark Ronaldo's 23 years with the national team.
Cristiano Ronaldo announced on Thursday that he is retiring from international football. Here are five moments from his Portugal career, beginning with the match in which it started.
1. A debut against Kazakhstan
Date: 20 August 2003
Venue: Estadio Municipal de Chaves, Chaves, Portugal
The 18-year-old came on for Rui Costa at half-time in a friendly against Kazakhstan. Portugal won 1-0 through a Simao Sabrosa goal; Ronaldo's first appearance came just days after his move to Manchester United.
2. Portugal wins Euro 2016
Date: 10 July 2016
Venue: Stade de France, Saint-Denis, France
Ronaldo's final against host France lasted only 25 minutes before an injury forced him off. He watched from the touchline as Eder scored in extra time to give Portugal a 1-0 win and its first major international trophy.
3. A first Nations League title
Date: 9 June 2019
Venue: Estadio do Dragao, Porto, Portugal
Ronaldo captained Portugal against the Netherlands in the inaugural Nations League final. Gonçalo Guedes scored the only goal on the hour, adding a second international trophy to the one Portugal had won in France three years earlier.
4. The international goals record
Date: 1 September 2021
Venue: Estadio do Algarve, Faro-Loule, Portugal
With Portugal trailing the Republic of Ireland in a World Cup qualifier, Ronaldo scored twice late on to secure a 2-1 win. His first goal took him past Ali Daei's record for goals in men's international football; the second brought his Portugal tally to 111.
5. Portugal wins the Nations League second time
Date: 8 June 2025
Venue: Munich Football Arena (Allianz Arena), Munich, Germany
Ronaldo volleyed in a 61st-minute equaliser against Spain to make it 2-2. The score held through extra time, and Portugal won 5-3 on penalties to become the first country to claim two Nations League titles.