Football stars bid farewell to Cristiano Ronaldo after international retirement
Cristiano Ronaldo received tributes from players and sports figures after announcing his retirement from international football, bringing to an end a career of more than two decades with Portugal.
Cristiano Ronaldo received tributes from players and sports figures after announcing his retirement from international football, bringing to an end a career of more than two decades with Portugal.
Coach Abel Ferreira praised Ronaldo as a prominent symbol of Portuguese sport and commended his work, discipline and consistency. Players’ agent Jorge Mendes said he had created an extraordinary era in football, writing to him that there would never be another like him.
Bruno Fernandes described Ronaldo as his childhood role model, while Neymar simply called him a “legend.” Ronaldo ended his international career after 23 years, during which he played 234 matches and scored 146 goals, winning the 2016 UEFA European Championship and the UEFA Nations League in 2019 and 2025 with Portugal.