Cristiano Ronaldo tributes: Lionel Messi, Bruno Fernandes and former teams send heartfelt messages after retirement image
Cristiano Ronaldo officially stepped away from international soccer on Thursday, becoming the latest star to move to the next phase of his career.
Ronaldo played in his sixth World Cup over the Summer, making history alongside Lionel Messi as the two became the first players to appear in that many World Cups. Messi then retired from international soccer following the tournament, and now Ronaldo joins him in that venture.
The 41-year-old announced the decision with a video on social media, in which he read a letter to his fans, teammates and contemporaries.
Portugal estarΓ‘ sempre em mim https://t.co/dnFj51rxmh
β Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) November 5, 2026
Unsurprisingly, Ronaldo received a large number of tributes and honors from people and organizations that he impacted over his career. While the tributes are only beginning, here's a look at some of the most notable so far.
MORE: Cristiano Ronaldo announces retirement from Portugal national team
Cristiano Ronaldo tributes
After Ronaldo announced his retirement from international soccer, tributes poured in from around the world. That was especially the case for his Portugal teammates and contemporaries at the top of the sport, many of whom commented on Ronaldo's social media posts.
Perhaps notably was Lionel Messi, Ronaldo's longtime rival, who also retired from international soccer this year.
Lionel Messi replies to Cristiano Ronaldo retirement post on Instagram https://t.co/ribpJzkHVC
β Ric_hardz (@heisrichardz) November 5, 2026
"Thank you for the inspiration," Portugal teammate Bruno Fernandes said. "It was a privilege to share great moments for our team with my childhood idol."
"It was a movie bro," former English star Rio Ferdinand added.
"Legend", Neymar commented.
Neymar replies to Cristiano Ronaldo. π€ https://t.co/TrBpXub3Ww
β TC (@totalcristiano) November 5, 2026
"It was more than just football," former Portuguese defender Pepe mentioned. "Thank you for everything, Cris."
Many institutions and organizations also chimed in to honor Ronaldo. The star played for Manchester United, Sporting CP, Juventus, and Real Madrid, and a few of those teams had their share of tributes.
Congratulations on an incredible international career, @Cristiano ππ΅πΉ Enjoy your retirement β€οΈ https://t.co/7TNh0YYE3X
β Manchester United (@ManUtd) November 5, 2026
Our Portuguese Reds react to @Cristiano's big news ποΈπ΅πΉ https://t.co/2vhyfOUaQo
β Manchester United (@ManUtd) November 5, 2026
Obrigado por tudo o que fizeste pela nossa Nação ππ Para sempre na histΓ³ria de Portugal π΅πΉ https://t.co/uk5sOKKXC3
β Sporting CP (@SportingCP) November 5, 2026
π¨ Juventus on IG. https://t.co/vxq8rTRQnB
β TC (@totalcristiano) November 5, 2026
Ronaldo is a five-time Ballon d'Or winner, the second-most-winning player in the award's history. So, it's no surprise that the award gave Ronaldo a lengthy tribute.
OBRIGADO, CRISTIANO. π΅πΉβ¨ Cristiano Ronaldo has officially said goodbye to the Portugal national team. Over two decades of unmatched passion, unforgettable goals, and an eternal legacy. 5 Ballons d'Or, endless historic moments, and a captain who changed Portuguese football forever. Relive his legendary international career on https://t.co/XocgVNhfhw #ballondor #cristiano #cr7
β Ballon d'Or (@ballondor) November 5, 2026
Ronaldo is the most important player in Portuguese soccer history, so the Portuguese Football Federation wants to hold a major tribute for him coming soon.
π¨ π’πππππππ: The Portuguese Football Federation wants to organise a HUGE OFFICIAL TRIBUTE to Cristiano Ronaldo to celebrate his 23 years with the national team! π΅πΉ βThe Portuguese Football Federation refuses to let these farewells take place without the tribute they deserve. βWe are firmly determined to organise, plan and actively contribute to a TRIBUTE WORTHY OF CRISTIANO RONALDOβS INCREDIBLE CAREER. βThe fans and the entire country will have the opportunity to applaud and celebrate once again the player who has given us so much. βTHANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING, CAPTAIN! βTHIS WILL ALWAYS BE YOUR HOME!β
β The Touchline | π (@TouchlineX) November 5, 2026
Over the next few weeks and months, the soccer world will continue to celebrate Ronaldo and all of his accomplishments in the sport.