Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to an extraordinary 23-year career with Portugal.

The 41-year-old forward said on Thursday that he would step away from the national team after Portugal’s November fixtures, signalling the end of an era for one of football’s greatest players.

In an Instagram post, Ronaldo said he would “hand back the number 7 shirt” following the international break.

Portugal are scheduled to face Denmark on November 14 before travelling to Wales three days later.

A record-breaking career

Ronaldo retires as the leading goalscorer in men’s international football, with 146 goals in 234 appearances for Portugal.

Since making his international debut against Kazakhstan in August 2003, he has established himself as one of the most decorated players in the history of the game.

He captained Portugal to their first major international trophy at Euro 2016 and later helped the team secure UEFA Nations League titles in 2019 and 2025.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner also made history at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, becoming the first player to score at six editions of the men’s tournament. Portugal were eliminated in the round of 16 by eventual champions Spain.

Tensions with Portugal coach

Ronaldo’s announcement follows a reported dispute with Portugal coach Jorge Jesus during the September international window.

The forward left the national team camp after being left on the bench against Norway. He subsequently apologised to supporters and teammates but accused the coach of breaking promises regarding his playing time.

Ronaldo had previously indicated that he remained available for selection, even if disciplinary action was taken against him by the Portuguese Football Federation.

He also revealed that he had prepared a retirement letter following the 2026 World Cup but was persuaded to continue by federation president Pedro Proenca.

His decision marks the end of his international career, but not his involvement in professional football. Ronaldo is expected to continue playing at club level for Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr.

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has postponed the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027, moving the tournament to December 2027 and January 2028 because of regional developments that have caused logistical challenges and travel disruptions.

The competition, originally scheduled for January 7 to February 5, 2027, will now take place from December 23, 2027, to January 21, 2028, subject to approval by FIFA.

The decision followed discussions between the AFC, the tournament’s Local Organising Committee and the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF).

The AFC said exceptional circumstances affecting preparations and the delivery of the tournament had prompted the change, which was made in the interests of participating teams, officials, spectators and other stakeholders.

The governing body did not provide further details about the specific regional disruptions behind the decision.

The AFC thanked Saudi Arabia’s football federation and the organising committee for their continued commitment to hosting the competition.

It also said it would work with participating national associations, sponsors, broadcasters and commercial partners to minimise the impact of the revised schedule.

The tournament will remain in Saudi Arabia, with further updates to be communicated through the AFC’s official channels.

Suhail, inspired by one of the brightest stars in the night sky and deeply rooted in Gulf heritage, has been unveiled as the official mascot of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027, which will be held in Doha, Qatar.

The announcement comes less than a year before the start of the tournament, the flagship competition of international men’s basketball.

Known as Canopus in Western culture, the Suhail star has guided sailors, nomads and pearl divers across the Gulf region for centuries. It has traditionally been associated with the transition from the intense summer heat to cooler temperatures and more comfortable evenings.

The star holds a special place in Qatari and Gulf traditions, symbolizing the region’s connection with the sea, desert and its cultural heritage.

According to the organizers, the mascot has been designed with inspiration from meteorites. Its crystalline body combines fragments of a star with meteorite metal, representing a connection between the sky and earth, strength and brilliance.

Suhail is expected to play a key role in promoting the tournament and engaging basketball fans of all ages as Qatar prepares to host the 2027 edition. The star is also expected to be visible in the night sky during the competition.

Abdulla Ali Al Mawlawi, Executive Director of Communications and Guest Relations at the Local Organizing Committee, said the unveiling marks an important milestone in preparations for the tournament.

He said Suhail reflects Qatar’s cultural identity and rich heritage, while symbolizing the country’s connection to its past and aspirations for the future.

Al Mawlawi added that the mascot will help strengthen engagement with fans and promote the competition in the months ahead.

He also said organizers aim to extend the tournament experience beyond the basketball court, encouraging younger generations to take up the sport and supporting the growth of basketball in Qatar and across the region.

The FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 will bring together national teams from around the world in Doha, with Suhail serving as the face of the tournament.