Portugal: Pepe reacts as Ronaldo retires from international football

Portugal icon Pepe has paid tribute to his former Real Madrid and Portugal teammate, Cristiano Ronaldo, following the forward’s announcement that he is retiring from international football.

The former Portugal defender, 43, who retired from professional football in August 2024, reacted to Ronaldo’s announcement with a message on Instagram rather than issuing a separate statement.

Commenting under Ronaldo’s retirement video, Pepe wrote: “It was more than football. Thank you for everything Cris.”

Ronaldo announced his decision on Thursday, November 5, bringing an end to his remarkable 23-year international career with Portugal.

The 41-year-old Al Nassr striker explained that the time had come “to hand back the number 7 shirt of our national team”, admitting that the decision was made not “with the mind alone” but “also with the heart”.

Ronaldo bows out of international football with an extraordinary record of 234 appearances and 146 goals, making him the most-capped player and highest goalscorer in men’s international football.

His international career also included winning Euro 2016 and the UEFA Nations League titles in 2019 and 2025. Remarkably, 94 of his 146 international goals came after he turned 30.

His final appearance for Portugal was in September’s 1-0 victory over Wales at Alvalade. He was subsequently an unused substitute in Oslo before leaving the national team camp on September 30.

The incident resulted in a €255 fine and a 30-day suspension, backdated to the day he departed, following a disciplinary decision by the Portuguese Football Federation.

The punishment came after Ronaldo accused Portugal coach Jorge Jesus of failing to honour an agreement over his promised playing time.

In a lengthy 1,740-word statement released at the time, Ronaldo apologised to his teammates but made it clear that he had no intention of retiring from international football.

However, Thursday’s announcement marks a change in that position, bringing his long association with the national team to an end.

The Portuguese Football Federation has since expressed gratitude to its “eternal captain” and promised to organise a “fitting tribute” in recognition of his contributions to the country.

Former teammates, including Rio Ferdinand and Diogo Dalot, also joined the tributes, responding to Ronaldo’s announcement on social media.

Pepe and Ronaldo shared a successful decade together at Real Madrid and with the Portuguese national team, building a strong partnership that delivered several major honours throughout their careers.