Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal Career: 5 Unforgettable Moments That Defined His Legacy

The great Cristiano Ronaldo, officially announced his retirement from football at the age of 41, sharing an emotional message on social media. This draws a curtain on a blockbuster 23-year career with Portugal, which can be regarded as one of the greatest runs by a footballer for his country.

As he takes off he is the leading scorer for the international game (146 goals) and the leading player in the men's international game (234 appearances).

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There are countless moments to remember from his career while playing for Portugal, but here are five that will forever remain unforgettable.

He gave valuable support in the final, but not on the field. First he tore his knee in the last game of the tournament against France, and was stretchered off after only 25 minutes, and that was it. Instead, he became a moving assistant manager on the sidelines. He was taking part in the rapidly changing game with extra time just around the corner, limping, giving instructions and kicking every imaginary ball in the world until the goaward's extra-time winner gave the team a memorable 1-0 win.

The top international goalscorer of 2021

When it comes to Cristiano Ronaldo's willpower, then the 2021 FIFA World Cup qualifier against the Republic of Ireland was the perfect example.

Portugal were in the red, and Ronaldo's attempt to surpass UAE’s legendary goalkeeper Ali Daei with 109 international goals was in jeopardy. Ronaldo, however, replied with two trademark long headers, in the 89th and 96th minutes, clattering in the air. His achievements with these goals secured both an important comeback victory for his country and even lead him to become the top international goalscorer of all time.

Sealing up a World Cup 2014 (2013) place

It all came down to a decisive two-legged qualification playoff with Sweden and this game was pitched as a battle of Zlatan Ibrahimovic vs Cristiano Ronaldo. Ronaldo made it a one man game.

Across the tie, he netted all four of Portugal's goals and capped it off with a blistering hat trick in the second half in Stockholm to drag his country into the tournament.

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The World Cup hat-trick vs Spain (2018)

Cristiano Ronaldo hasn't performed very well in the FIFA World Cup. But his impressive 10 international hat-tricks included some of the most iconic in the largest football competition.

The Spaniards dominated the group stage of the 2018 FIFA World Cup, but Ronaldo came up with an ace and rescued a 3-3 draw for the Africans. His team was already down 2-3 in the 88th minute, but he had already scored two goals before.

Ronaldo needed to make a shot and it was his free-kick. He rolled up his shorts, took his famous stance and delivered a classic free kick shot over the bar, which David de Gea was desperate to stop, to seal his 51st career hat trick and one of the most exciting comeback successes for Portugal in history.

Playing home soccer in the Netherlands (2019)

It's one thing to win a trophy for your country, it's another to do it in front of a home crowd. In the first UEFA Nations League event played in Portugal, Ronaldo, in his semi-final debut, got his team to victory with a superb hat trick over Switzerland.

He would go on to lead the team to victory over the Netherlands in the final two days later in front of a sea of red and green in Porto.

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