Portugal’s football federation says Cristiano Ronaldo will not leave the national team without a proper tribute. Prime Minister Luís Montenegro also thanked the forward for what he did for Portugal. But the FPF has not announced when the farewell will take place or whether it will include Ronaldo playing in a match.
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What the federation and prime minister said
The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) said it “refuses to let this farewell take place without due tribute.” It expressed a desire to help organize a celebration where fans and the country could applaud and honor Ronaldo’s career.
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Montenegro’s message was: “Thank you. What you did for Portugal will echo through eternity. Now, off the pitch, you will continue to represent Portugal around the world.”
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Ronaldo announced his international retirement in a social-media post and said he would hand back Portugal’s number 7 shirt after the November international break.
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Will Ronaldo’s tribute include a match?
The federation’s statement promises a fitting tribute, but does not specify its format, date or venue. It also does not say whether Ronaldo will play in the event.
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Some coverage contrasted Portugal’s still-unspecified plans with Lionel Messi’s reported farewell match for Argentina the previous month. The available reports do not establish whether Portugal intends to stage a similar on-pitch send-off.
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The career Portugal is preparing to celebrate
Ronaldo, 41, represented Portugal for 23 years. He made 234 appearances and scored 146 goals, records in men’s international football.
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3 His final appearance was a 1–0 win over Wales in September, according to reporting on his retirement.
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His departure followed a dispute with coach Jorge Jesus. The Athletic reported that Ronaldo left the national-team camp prematurely after being an unused substitute in a subsequent match; it also reported a €255 fine and a retroactive 30-day suspension.
1 A Reuters report said Ronaldo later apologized and remained available for selection.
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The FPF’s promise makes clear that it wants the end of Ronaldo’s international career to be marked publicly. Whether that recognition happens on the pitch, and when, remains unconfirmed.