New Delhi: Former India cricketer Yuvraj Singh has paid an emotional tribute to Portuguese football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo following his announcement of retirement from international football, describing him as a “true legend”, the “GOAT” and an inspiration for generations.
Ronaldo announced his decision on Thursday, November 5, bringing the curtain down on a remarkable 23-year international career with Portugal. The 41-year-old shared a video message on social media, reflecting on his journey with the national team and saying it was time to hand over the iconic number 7 shirt to the next generation.
Yuvraj responded with a heartfelt message on Instagram, praising Ronaldo’s journey from a young boy with a dream in Madeira to one of the most celebrated footballers in the world. He highlighted the discipline, ambition, hard work and determination that shaped the Portuguese forward’s career.
Yuvraj praises Ronaldo’s journey and determination
In his message, Yuvraj said Ronaldo’s career was an example of what ambition and self-belief could achieve. He noted that the footballer continued to raise standards through challenges, setbacks and major milestones.
“From a young boy in Madeira with a dream to becoming one of the greatest footballers the world has ever seen, your journey is a lesson in ambition, discipline and an unrelenting belief in oneself,” Yuvraj wrote.
The former India all-rounder also pointed out that Ronaldo’s achievements were not simply the result of talent. According to Yuvraj, the sacrifices and consistent effort behind those accomplishments were equally significant.
“The records, the trophies and the five Ballon d’Or awards tell one story. The determination behind them tells another,” he added.
Yuvraj concluded his tribute by congratulating Ronaldo on his international career and wishing him success in the future. Calling him a true legend and the greatest of all time, he described the footballer as an inspiration for generations.
“Your career is a testament to the courage to dream big, the hunger to keep going and the belief to never settle. Congratulations on an extraordinary international career, Cristiano. Wishing you the very best for everything that lies ahead. A true legend. The GOAT. An inspiration for generations,” Yuvraj said.
Ronaldo brings an end to 23 years with Portugal
Ronaldo’s announcement marks the end of an international journey that began in August 2003, when he made his debut for Portugal as a substitute against Kazakhstan.
Over the following two decades, he became the country’s most recognisable footballer and one of the most influential figures in the international game. He captained Portugal through several major tournaments and helped the national team win the 2016 European Championship and the 2019 UEFA Nations League.
In his farewell message, Ronaldo reflected on the responsibility and pride of wearing Portugal’s number 7 shirt for 23 years. He described the decision as emotional and acknowledged the importance of the supporters, teammates, coaches and staff who had been part of his journey.
Ronaldo said his memories of representing Portugal went beyond goals, records and trophies. He spoke about the connection with supporters around the world and the feeling of unity created when the national anthem played before a match.
He also thanked his family for sharing the sacrifices and periods of absence that came with his international commitments. Ronaldo said he would continue supporting Portugal even after his playing journey with the national team had ended.
The forward’s international career began before the 2004 European Championship and continued through six editions of the FIFA World Cup. His longevity allowed him to remain a central figure in Portuguese football across several generations of players.
Ronaldo leaves behind remarkable international records
Ronaldo retires from international football as the men’s game’s record holder for both appearances and goals. He represented Portugal in 234 matches and scored 146 international goals, placing him at the top of the all-time lists in both categories.
His international record reflects his consistency across different competitions, opponents and generations. He scored in major tournaments and qualifiers, while continuing to lead Portugal as captain.
Ronaldo also became the first male footballer to score at six different FIFA World Cup tournaments. His appearances across six World Cup editions and six European Championships underline the extraordinary length of his international career.
Portugal’s victory at Euro 2016 remains one of the defining achievements of his time with the national team. Although Ronaldo was forced to leave the final against France because of injury, he remained involved from the sidelines as Portugal secured its first European Championship title.
The country later won the inaugural UEFA Nations League in 2019, adding another major international honour to Ronaldo’s career.
Yuvraj and Ronaldo share a legacy of sporting excellence
Yuvraj’s tribute also highlighted how sporting achievements can inspire people beyond the boundaries of a particular game. While the former Indian cricketer made his name in international cricket, Ronaldo built his legacy in football, with both becoming widely recognised sporting figures.
Yuvraj was a key member of India’s 2007 ICC T20 World Cup-winning team and the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup-winning side. His performances in the 2011 tournament earned him the Player of the Tournament award.
Ronaldo, meanwhile, established himself as one of football’s most prolific forwards through his performances for Portugal and leading clubs in Europe. His international career included individual records as well as major team honours.
Yuvraj’s message focused on the qualities behind Ronaldo’s success: the willingness to keep improving, the courage to pursue ambitious goals and the determination to overcome setbacks.
Although Ronaldo’s international career has ended, he is not retiring from professional football altogether. His announcement concerns his future with Portugal’s national team, while his club career remains separate.
The farewell marks a significant moment for Portuguese football. For supporters who followed Ronaldo from his debut in 2003, the end of his international journey closes a chapter defined by records, major victories and an enduring connection with the national team.
Yuvraj’s tribute captured the admiration Ronaldo has earned across sporting disciplines, recognising not only his statistics and trophies but also the dedication that helped him remain at the highest level for more than two decades.