The departure of Cristiano Ronaldo from international football marks a bittersweet chapter in his illustrious career. His retirement, just months shy of his 42nd birthday, came after an extensive journey that began over 23 years ago. The end became apparent during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where Portugal triumphed over Switzerland 6-1, with Goncalo Ramos shining through a hat-trick, while Ronaldo's relevance faded.

His exit was marred by controversy, culminating in a dramatic exit from the camp after being left as an unused substitute against Norway. Ronaldo's reaction included a lengthy Instagram post expressing his grievances, showcasing a declining self-awareness. He faced a 30-day suspension from the Portuguese FA, but the true consequence lay in the realization that he could no longer lead his country.

Despite the tumultuous finale, Ronaldo's statistics remain remarkable:

• 234 caps and 146 goals, both records in international football.
• He is 99 goals ahead of Pauleta, Portugal's second top scorer.

His legacy is multifaceted; while he holds the record for goals in World Cups, his performance in knockout stages was underwhelming. Conversely, he stands as the greatest player in European Championships history, with 30 appearances and 14 goals. The image of him on the sidelines during the Euro 2016 final, supporting his teammates, encapsulates his complex journey.

Ronaldo significantly transformed Portugal's football narrative, leading the team to consistent performances, including remarkable hat-tricks that secured World Cup qualifications. However, as his career progressed, he became increasingly self-centered, diminishing his impact on the field.

His final appearances in Euro 2024 and the 2026 World Cup showcased a decline in effectiveness, playing substantial minutes yet failing to deliver. The alliance with manager Roberto Martinez was contentious, often seen as hindering the team's overall performance, ultimately leading to a sense of relief among teammates as Ronaldo's career with Portugal concludes.