The end of an era don finally land.
On Thursday, November 5, Cristiano Ronaldo announced his retirement from the Portugal national team — after 23 years of wearing that famous No. 7 shirt. But make nobody cry yet. CR7 never retire from football. He still dey ball for Al-Nassr, and he still dey chase history.
THE ANNOUNCEMENT THAT SHOOK THE WORLD
For one emotional video, Ronaldo read letter to Portuguese people:
"The day has come for me to hand back the number 7 shirt of our national team... For 23 years, I had the privilege and the 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."
Journey wey start for August 2003, when he be just 18 years old boy from Madeira, don end.
NUMBERS WEY NO MAN GO EVER BREAK
Ronaldo no just play for Portugal. He OWN the record book:
- 234 appearances - Most for any man for international football
- 146 goals - Most for any man for international football
- 6 World Cups - First man to score for 6 World Cups
- Euro 2016 Winner - Portugal first ever major trophy
- Nations League Winner - 2019 and 2025
No man don score more, no man don play more. That na GOAT numbers.
WHY NOW? THE JORGE JESUS FIGHT
The ending no too sweet. After 2026 World Cup, where Portugal lose to Spain for Round of 16, Ronaldo clash with new coach Jorge Jesus.
Jesus bench am for Nations League game against Norway for Sept 27, make am warm up but no bring am enter. Ronaldo vex, waka comot camp. FPF give am €255 fine and 30-day suspension.
His last game for Portugal come be Sept 24, 1-0 win over Wales. No farewell match, no last dance. Just quiet goodbye.
BUT HE STILL DEY FOR AL-NASSR
This na the part many people miss: Ronaldo never retire from football.
He still dey under contract for Al-Nassr until June 2027, after he sign 2-year extension for June 2025.
And he still dey fire:
- Just score hat-trick for Al-Nassr 5-3 win over Al Kholood
- Now on 985 career goals - just 15 goals away from 1,000 goals
- 9 goals in 12 appearances this season
For Riyadh, na still CR7 show.
WHAT NEXT FOR PORTUGAL AND RONALDO?
Portuguese Football Federation don talk say dem "refuse to let this farewell take place without due tribute" — dem go do special tribute for am.
For Portugal, new era don start without their captain. For Ronaldo, final mission na clear: Reach 1,000 goals for Al-Nassr, then decide if he go hang boot.
He don already talk for August say "This is probably my last year of football."
CONCLUSION
Ronaldo hand back Portugal No. 7, but he still hold Al-Nassr No. 7 tight.
Portugal lose their king. Al-Nassr still get their king.
One chapter close. The last chapter still dey write for Saudi Arabia.
What you think? Ronaldo do right to leave Portugal now, or he for stay small? Drop your comment.
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