Cristiano Ronaldo's 10 Greatest Moments With Portugal Ranked
After 23 years representing Portugal, Cristiano Ronaldo has retired from international football. His legendary career delivered unforgettable performances, historic records, and moments that defined a generation.
Cristiano Ronaldo's international retirement marks the end of one of football's most extraordinary careers. After 23 years, 234 appearances, and 146 goals, the 41-year-old leaves the Portugal national team as the most-capped player and highest goalscorer in men's international football history.
From his debut in 2003 to his final World Cup appearance in 2026, Ronaldo delivered performances that changed Portuguese football forever. He won one European Championship and two UEFA Nations League titles, while becoming the first man to score in six different World Cups.
Although his dream of winning the World Cup remained unfulfilled, Ronaldo leaves behind a remarkable collection of achievements and unforgettable matches. Here are the 10 greatest moments of his Portugal career, ranked from 10 to 1.
10. Breaking the International Appearance Record in 2023
On March 23, 2023, Cristiano Ronaldo made his 197th appearance for Portugal in a 4-0 victory over Liechtenstein during Euro 2024 qualifying. That milestone saw him surpass Kuwait's Bader Al-Mutawa to become the most-capped player in men's international football history.
Ronaldo celebrated the occasion with two goals in Roberto Martínez's first match as Portugal manager. The forward would eventually extend his record to 234 international appearances.
9. His Stunning Hat-Trick Against Switzerland in 2019
Portugal were facing Switzerland in the semifinals of the inaugural UEFA Nations League when Cristiano Ronaldo delivered another decisive performance.
The Portuguese captain opened the scoring with a free kick, but Ricardo Rodríguez equalized from the penalty spot. With extra time approaching, Ronaldo struck twice in the closing minutes to complete his hat-trick and secure a 3-1 victory. Portugal advanced to the final and went on to win the competition.
8. Becoming the Greatest International Goalscorer
On September 1, 2021, Portugal were trailing Ireland 1-0 in a World Cup qualifier. Ronaldo had already missed a penalty, and his team were running out of time.
Then came two headers in the 89th and 96th minutes, turning the game around completely. Portugal won 2-1, and Ronaldo reached 111 international goals, surpassing Iran's Ali Daei, who had held the men's international scoring record with 109.
7. An Unforgettable Hat-Trick Against Spain at the 2018 World Cup
One of Ronaldo's most memorable World Cup performances came on June 15, 2018, when Portugal faced Spain in the group stage of the tournament in Russia.
The forward opened the scoring from the penalty spot before adding a second goal following an error by David de Gea. Spain eventually took a 3-2 lead, but Ronaldo completed his hat-trick with a spectacular free kick in the 88th minute, securing a dramatic 3-3 draw.
At 33, he also became the oldest player to score a hat-trick in men's World Cup history.
6. Tears of Joy at the 2025 Nations League
At 40 years old, Cristiano Ronaldo was once again instrumental in Portugal's success during the 2025 UEFA Nations League finals.
He scored in the 2-1 semifinal victory over Germany before finding the equalizer against Spain in the final in Munich. Portugal eventually lifted the trophy following a penalty shootout, with Ronaldo celebrating his third major international title through tears of joy.
5. The Header That Sent Portugal to the Euro 2016 Final
Portugal faced Wales in the semifinals of Euro 2016, having reached the last four without winning a match in regulation time.
That changed early in the second half when Cristiano Ronaldo rose above the defense to score a powerful header from a Raphaël Guerreiro cross. Just three minutes later, Nani redirected a shot from the Portugal captain to make it 2-0 and send his country into the final.
4. The Birth of a Star at Euro 2004
At just 19 years old, Cristiano Ronaldo appeared in his first major international tournament when Portugal hosted Euro 2004.
Although he began the competition on the bench, he emerged as one of its standout young players. Ronaldo scored his first goal of the tournament against Greece before delivering a crucial performance in the semifinals against the Netherlands.
His header opened the scoring in Portugal's 2-1 victory, helping the national team reach its first European Championship final. Although Portugal ultimately lost to Greece, Ronaldo had already announced himself on the international stage.
3. The Brace That Saved Portugal Against Hungary
Portugal came dangerously close to an early exit at Euro 2016. In their final group-stage match, Hungary took the lead three times, putting the Portuguese side's qualification hopes at risk.
Ronaldo assisted Nani for the first equalizer before scoring twice himself. His first goal was an audacious backheel finish, while his second came from a powerful header that secured a 3-3 draw.
The result sent Portugal into the knockout stage of a tournament they would eventually win.
2. Winning the Legendary Duel With Zlatan Ibrahimović in 2013
Portugal and Sweden met in November 2013 with a place at the 2014 World Cup on the line. The playoff also featured an extraordinary individual battle between Cristiano Ronaldo and Zlatan Ibrahimović.
Ronaldo scored the only goal of the first leg in Lisbon before opening the scoring in the return match in Solna. Ibrahimović responded with two goals to put Sweden ahead 2-1 on the night, but Ronaldo struck twice more to complete a sensational hat-trick and secure Portugal's qualification.
Portugal won the second leg 3-2 and the tie 4-2 on aggregate. Remarkably, Ronaldo scored all four of his country's goals.
1. Euro 2016 and Portugal's First Major International Trophy
The defining moment of Cristiano Ronaldo's international career came on July 10, 2016, when Portugal faced France in the European Championship final at the Stade de France.
The Portuguese captain suffered a knee injury and was forced off after just 25 minutes, leaving the pitch in tears. However, he spent much of the remainder of the match near the technical area, encouraging his teammates and offering instructions from the sidelines.
Portugal held firm until extra time, when Éder scored the winning goal in a 1-0 victory, securing the first major international trophy in the country's history.
Ronaldo had suffered heartbreak in the Euro 2004 final as a 19-year-old. Twelve years later, he finally lifted the trophy he had dreamed of winning for his country.
It remains the most iconic image of his extraordinary international career.
