Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo brought the curtain down on his World Cup career after Spain edged Portugal 1-0 in the Round of 16, ending the veteran forward’s final appearance on football’s biggest stage.
The 41-year-old, playing in a record sixth World Cup, was unable to prevent Portugal’s exit in Dallas as substitute Mikel Merino scored a late winner to send Spain into the quarter-finals.
Speaking after the match, Ronaldo admitted the defeat was painful but said he had no regrets about his international career.
“It’s normal to feel sad leaving the World Cup like this,” he said. “But I gave everything I had and leave with a clear conscience. That’s football. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, and life moves on.”
Ronaldo confirmed before the match that the 2026 tournament would be his last World Cup. He said he would now spend time with his family before considering his future rather than making emotional decisions immediately after the defeat.
Despite an extraordinary international career, Ronaldo retires from the World Cup without lifting the trophy or reaching a final. Portugal’s best finish during his six appearances came in 2006, when they ended the tournament in fourth place.
The striker finishes his World Cup career with 11 goals in 27 matches, the highest tally by a Portuguese player at the tournament. He also joins Lionel Messi and Guillermo Ochoa as one of only three players to have featured in six World Cups.
Although the World Cup title remained out of reach, Ronaldo highlighted Portugal’s triumph at the UEFA Euro 2016 as the defining achievement of his international career.
“Before Cristiano, Portugal hadn’t won any titles,” he said. “Winning Euro 2016 means as much to me as a World Cup. I leave knowing I did my best.”
Ronaldo is expected to return to Al Nassr FC for the final year of his current contract in the Saudi Pro League. While speculation continues over whether the upcoming season will be his last in club football, the veteran forward has yet to announce any retirement plans.
