Cristiano Ronaldo announced his retirement from Portugal on 5 November 2026 with 234 caps and 146 goals, both men's records.
He came on for Luis Figo at half-time in a 1-0 friendly win, days after joining Manchester United.
He scored his first goal against Greece on 12 June. Portugal lost the home final to Greece 1-0 on 4 July.
A penalty against Iran on 17 June. Portugal reached the semi-finals and finished fourth.
He first wore the armband in a friendly against Brazil and became regular captain in 2008.
Two goals in a 5-1 win took him to 49, past Pauleta's 47.
Injured early in the final, he urged the team on from the touchline. Eder's extra-time goal beat France 1-0.
Euro 2016 v France, the 2019 Nations League v the Netherlands and the 2025 Nations League v Spain.
A penalty, a long shot and an 88th-minute free kick earned a 3-3 draw at the World Cup.
Portugal beat the Netherlands 1-0 after his semi-final hat-trick against Switzerland.
A free kick brought goal 100 and he added 101. Only Ali Daei had reached 100 before him.
Two late headers against Ireland took him to 111, past Daei's 109.
His 197th cap passed Bader Al-Mutawa in March. In June he became the first man to 200, scoring the winner.
Pauleta, Figo, 100 goals, Ali Daei, the caps record and 200 caps.
He scored the equaliser in a 2-2 final against Spain. Portugal won 5-3 on penalties.
Two goals v Uzbekistan made him the first man to score at six World Cups. Spain knocked Portugal out on 6 July.
1, 1, 1, 4, 1 and 3: eleven goals from 2006 to 2026.
14 goals in 30 matches, both records, from 2004 to 2024.
Portugal won 1-0 in Jorge Jesus's first match. Ronaldo had a goal ruled offside and was replaced after 67 minutes.
Unused against Norway, he left the camp before the Denmark match. On 19 October he got a 30-day ban and a 255 euro fine.
Spain, a new coach, a last cap, a walkout, a suspension and a retirement.
"The day has come for me to hand back the No. 7 shirt." The federation promised a fitting tribute.
Both men's records, plus 6 World Cups, 6 Euros and 3 major titles.
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