Toronto has a pretty special connection to Ronaldo's retirement

It's the end of an era for soccer superstar Cristiano Ronaldo and his time playing for the Portuguese national team.

The 41-year-old striker released a video on Thursday, announcing that he has retired from international soccer, bringing an end to a 23-year career with Portugal and his iconic No. 7 jersey.

"To the Portuguese people. The day has come for me to hand back the number 7 shirt of our national team," Ronaldo said in an Instagram video.

"I never felt it belonged to me, but for 23 years, I had the privilege and the responsibility of wearing it."

Portugal estará sempre em mim https://t.co/dnFj51rxmh

— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) November 5, 2026

Now that his international career is done, there's an interesting connection that ties Toronto right to it.

If there's ever a Jeopardy! question about where Ronaldo scored his final goal for Portugal, please yell confidently: what is Toronto's BMO Field!

Ronaldo scored 146 goals in 234 appearances for his country, with his final one coming during Portugal's 2026 FIFA World Cup knockout-stage matchup against Croatia in Toronto.

His goal came from the penalty spot at what is BMO Field's north end after he had one disallowed earlier in the match for offside.

Ronaldo calmly blasted the penalty kick down the middle of the net before breaking out in his trademark "Siuuu" celebration in front of the sold-out crowd.

CRISTIANO RONALDO'S FIRST EVER WORLD CUP KNOCKOUT ROUND GOAL COMES IN TORONTO! 🇵🇹 #FIFAWorldCup https://t.co/gKJ4aOfFVS

— TSN (@TSN_Sports) July 3, 2026

The moment wasn't only historic for being his final goal; it also happened to be his only FIFA World Cup knockout-round goal as well. Up to that point, he had not scored in the knockout stages of the tournament.

Portugal defeated Croatia and advanced, but were eliminated by the eventual champions Spain in the Round of 16.

The match ended up being a fitting farewell to the six FIFA World Cup matches in Toronto, and is now one likely to be remembered forever by Ronaldo himself.