Gianni Infantino, FIFA president, has paid tribute to Cristiano Ronaldo following the Portuguese forward’s announcement of his retirement from international football, describing his achievements as milestones that “may never be matched” and praising his immense contribution to the game.
The 41-year-old announced his decision in an emotional video posted on social media, bringing an end to a 23-year international career in which he scored a record 146 goals in 234 appearances for Portugal.
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Taking to Instagram, Infantino said Cristiano Ronaldo had touched the hearts of football fans across the world through his extraordinary talent, determination and constant desire to push the boundaries of the sport.
“Few players have ever touched the hearts of football fans around the world quite like Cristiano Ronaldo,” Infantino wrote.
“A career defined by extraordinary talent, relentless determination and an unwavering desire to push the boundaries of what is possible.”
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The FIFA president also highlighted Cristiano Ronaldo’s remarkable World Cup record, noting that he remains the first player in history to score in six different editions of the tournament. Ronaldo is also the all-time leading goalscorer in men’s international football.
“As the first player in history to score in six different editions of the World Cup and the all-time leading goalscorer in men’s international football, Cristiano has achieved milestones that may never be matched, but his greatest legacy goes far beyond records, trophies and goals,” he added.
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Ronaldo’s 23-year Portugal career
Cristiano Ronaldo made his senior debut for Portugal in August 2003 and went on to become the country’s most capped player and record goalscorer. He captained Portugal to their maiden UEFA European Championship title in 2016 before leading them to UEFA Nations League glory in 2019.
Across five World Cup appearances and six European Championships, the forward became the face of Portuguese football, inspiring generations of players and supporters.
Infantino further credited Cristiano Ronaldo with uniting millions of fans and carrying the hopes of Portugal on football’s biggest stages.
“He has inspired generations, united millions of fans and carried the hopes and pride of Portugal onto the world’s greatest stages,” he wrote.
“Thank you, Cristiano, for the passion, the unforgettable moments and the immense contribution you have made to our beautiful game proudly wearing the ‘Seleção’ shirt. Your international career will forever be part of football’s history.”
In his retirement announcement, Ronaldo said he was proud of the journey he had undertaken with Portugal, describing representing his country as the greatest victory of his career.
“Today, I realise that the greatest victory was to have deserved to represent the best country in the world,” he said.
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