Source Aljajeera
Cristiano Ronaldo has officially closed the book on his historic FIFA World Cup career. Following Portugal’s heartbreaking 1-0 defeat to Spain in the Round of 16, the 41-year-old forward confirmed that he has made his final appearance on football’s grandest global stage.
A 91st-minute stoppage-time winner by Spain’s Mikel Merino ended Portuguese hopes in dramatic fashion. An emotional Ronaldo, playing the full 90 minutes in his record-extending sixth World Cup tournament, expressed sorrow over the exit but remained at peace with his individual effort.
“I am sad to be leaving the World Cup like this,” Ronaldo said in the post-match mixed zone. “I gave it everything and leave with a clear conscience. It was my last World Cup, yes, but I will now spend time with my family and reflect. I will not make any rash decisions.”
International Future Paused
While his time at the World Cup is definitively over, the Al-Nassr forward explicitly stopped short of announcing a total retirement from international football. Ronaldo emphasized that he refuses to make any major career decisions in the heat of the moment, noting that a personal announcement should not derail or overshadow the collective performance of the national team.
The legendary captain leaves open the possibility of pulling on the Portugal shirt again in upcoming qualifiers, preferring to process the tournament’s emotional exit alongside his family first.
A Twin Blow for Portugal
The exit marks a massive transitional phase for Portuguese football. Alongside Ronaldo’s World Cup farewell, manager Roberto Martínez also confirmed his resignation following the match. Ronaldo spoke warmly of the departing coach, praising his character and what he managed to build during his tenure.
Despite never capturing the elusive World Cup trophy across his two-decade tournament run—reaching a personal high of fourth place back in 2006—Ronaldo took a moment to reflect proudly on his larger international legacy. He reminded reporters that before his debut, Portugal had never won a major men’s international trophy. Under his leadership, the nation famously captured UEFA Euro 2016 and the inaugural UEFA Nations League.
Ronaldo finishes his World Cup legacy with 27 total tournament appearances—the second-most in football history—and as Portugal’s all-time top scorer in the competition with 10 goals.
