The Portuguese capital Lisbon is preparing to write the final chapter of the most thrilling and suspenseful story in modern football history. There, on the grass of the José Alvalade Stadium, the place where the slender boy first took his skillful steps in the Sporting Lisbon shirt, the living legend Cristiano Ronaldo is ready to officially draw the curtain on his international career in the shirt of 'Brazil of Europe'. This historic step comes after Portugal's match against Wales in the UEFA Nations League scheduled for next September 24, a night that is no longer just a match on UEFA's agenda, but has turned into a national appointment where feelings of pride will mix with farewell tears.

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Return to the source: The symbolism of farewell at the stadium of beginnings. The choice of Sporting Lisbon's home ground carries a profound symbolic significance; the story that began with a childhood run full of dreams more than two decades ago will end at the same spot after the 'Don' destroyed the fortresses of world football and dominated the podiums. In this regard, sources close to the Portuguese Football Federation reported that exceptional arrangements are being made behind the scenes to produce this farewell scene befitting a man who changed the identity of Portuguese football and moved it from the ranks of teams searching for a place to a team with the mentality of an inevitable champion.

Statements from the heart of the event: Words of a clear conscience and absolute loyalty. Ronaldo paved the way for this pivotal moment after the disappointing participation in the 2026 World Cup and the bitter exit in the round of 16 against Spain, where he said with emotional words: 'I leave the international stage with a clear conscience. I gave everything I had for this shirt. We must remember that before Cristiano's era, Portugal had not won any major title. I achieved three historic titles, and for me, winning Euro 2016 is equivalent in moral and literary value to winning the World Cup. Life goes on, and I am happy and grateful for every second I lived defending the emblem of my country.'

For his part, the head coach of Portugal, veteran Portuguese Jorge Jesus, commented on the historic captain's decision, affirming his full support for Ronaldo's choice: 'Cristiano is not just a player; he is the beating heart of Portuguese football and an inspiration for successive generations. His staying on the pitch all these years and his fierce competition at the age of 41 is a sporting miracle in itself. We respect his desire, and we will fight to give him in the Wales night the farewell he deserves as the greatest to ever wear the Portugal shirt in history.'

The numbers speak: A heavy legacy and an immortal heritage. Cristiano Ronaldo leaves the international stage sitting alone on the throne of all-time top scorers of national teams, breaking all numerical limits that many thought were untouchable. His legendary career is summarized by a set of unprecedented records: • All-time top scorer for national teams: scored 146 international goals with Portugal. • Dean of world players: played approximately 233 international matches since his debut in 2003 at the age of 18. • World Cup pioneer: the only player in the history of the game to score in six consecutive World Cups (from 2006 to 2026). • Architect of collective glory: led his country to win its first continental title in history at Euro 2016, followed by the UEFA Nations League title.

A moment of silence in farewell to the icon. The upcoming match against Wales will not be just ninety minutes to collect points in the Nations League, but will be a festival of tears and a wide public bow of thanks to the historic 'number 7', which reports say the Portuguese Federation is moving to retire permanently in honor of his achievements. It is the moment when childhood meets gray hair, and the stands meet the pitch to say in one voice: 'Thank you, Cristiano... Thank you to the one who taught us that dreams do not fade with age, and that determination makes the impossible possible.' From Madeira to Lisbon, the earth has completed its full rotation, as the hero returns to his first home, putting the final point on the most beautiful football story of the 21st century.