Cristiano Ronaldo Rejects Portugal Farewell Match Plans
Cristiano Ronaldo does not intend to play a farewell match for the Portugal national team after announcing his retirement from international football, sports.kz reported citing Observador. The Portuguese Football Federation still wants to honor the 41-year-old Al-Nassr forward, but the event format remains undecided while the player refuses to step on the pitch for one final appearance.
The scheduled telephone conversation between the striker and national team head coach Jorge Jesus failed to take place. Portuguese Football Federation President Pedro Proença was supposed to mediate the call, but Ronaldo declined to communicate with the head coach.
Ronaldo holds world records for international appearances and goals
Ronaldo finished his national team career with 234 appearances and 146 goals for Portugal. Both marks stand as world records in men’s international football. His international career includes titles at the 2016 European Championship and the UEFA Nations League in 2019 and 2025.
Federation officials continue discussing potential ways to mark his retirement despite his current stance against a testimonial match. Neither the timeline nor the structure for any public tribute has been finalized.
Cristiano Ronaldo refuses final farewell match appearance
Why did Cristiano Ronaldo refuse the farewell match?
The sources report that the 41-year-old forward simply does not want to take the field for a final appearance with the national team at this stage, leaving the tribute format completely open.
Who was supposed to arrange the call with the coach?
Portuguese Football Federation President Pedro Proença planned to mediate a telephone conversation between Ronaldo and national team head coach Jorge Jesus, but Ronaldo refused to speak with him.
What records did Ronaldo leave behind for Portugal?
He accumulated 234 international matches and scored 146 goals, setting the all-time men’s world records in both categories while winning the 2016 Euros and the 2019 and 2025 UEFA Nations League titles.
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