Cristiano Ronaldo Retires from International Soccer After 23 Years

Cristiano Ronaldo, renowned Portuguese soccer player, has announced his retirement from international soccer at the age of 41. With a career spanning 23 years and 234 games for the national team, Ronaldo shared this decision with his 679 million Instagram followers. He expressed that this choice was heartfelt and significant, marking the end of a journey that started in August 2003.

Ronaldo’s record is impressive, even for those not closely following soccer. He is the top goal scorer in soccer history, with 985 goals. Argentina’s Lionel Messi and Brazil’s Pelé follow with 937 and 762 goals, respectively. Additionally, Ronaldo has been nominated 18 times for the Ballon d’Or award, winning five times, which highlights his consistent excellence in the sport.

His successful career is attributed to his dedication to health and fitness. In 2016, Ronaldo emphasized hard work over talent as the key to success. Throughout his career, he maintained rigorous training and game routines.

Contrary to modern trends of complex health strategies, Ronaldo maintains a straightforward approach to health and fitness. His habits focus on consistency. Experts in longevity endorse similar habits, such as adequate sleep, balanced nutrition, regular exercise, stress management, and social engagement.

Ronaldo’s diet resembles the Mediterranean style, featuring lean meats, fish, and vegetables, while avoiding alcohol and excessive sugar. He maintains flexibility in his diet, allowing occasional indulgences without labeling them as unhealthy.

It’s okay to eat less nutritious food maybe once a week, Ronaldo said, exemplifying a balanced attitude towards diet. He values a calm approach to health and fitness.

In an interview in 2025, Ronaldo highlighted sleep as an essential component of his routine, sleeping from 11 p.m. to 8:30 a.m. His pre-sleep routine includes activities like walking or watching movies with his wife.

Former coach Luis Castro, who worked with Ronaldo at Al Nassr, praised Ronaldo’s ingrained routines and dedication to training. Castro noted Ronaldo’s focus on ‘invisible training,’ involving diet, sleep, and recovery, as crucial to his longevity and sports performance.