An ABC report published on 5 November 2026 said Cristiano Ronaldo had ended his international career with Portugal. The report said the 41-year-old forward holds Portugal men's records with 234 appearances and 146 goals. It linked the decision to a fallout with Portugal coach Jorge Jesus and noted Ronaldo had served a 30-day suspension for walking out on the national team.

According to the ABC report, Ronaldo said in an Instagram video that he was handing back the national team's No. 7 shirt. He acknowledged that leaving camp was not the best way to handle the situation but said Jesus had "broken his word" more than once. Jesus told Portugal's Channel 11 that he had asked Ronaldo to stay with the team and described him as a lasting reference for the national side. The report said the announcement came shortly before Portugal named its squad for upcoming matches.