Cristiano Ronaldo’s World Cup career has ended with a 1-0 last-16 defeat to Spain in Dallas, the Portugal captain confirming afterwards that the 2026 tournament in North America was his final appearance on football’s biggest stage. The 41-year-old’s 233rd cap concluded with a late goal from Spain substitute Mikel Merino sending the European champions home.
Ronaldo, who departs as the only man to have scored at six World Cups, maintained he felt no regret despite failing to add the sport’s only missing trophy to his collection. “I go with a clear conscience,” he said. “I am sad to leave like this but I have given everything, always given my best. This is football, it is the life of a footballer. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose.”
Legacy Secure Regardless of Trophy
The forward, who scored 146 goals in over 230 appearances for his country, insisted his legacy would not be defined by the absence of a World Cup winner’s medal. He pointed to Portugal’s European Championship triumph in 2016 as comparable in stature, noting that before his era the nation had never lifted a major trophy.
“I won three titles with Portugal. Before Cristiano, Portugal had never won a big trophy. The best trophy I won with the national team was 2016, which for me has the same dimension as the World Cup,” he said. “I’m not missing anything; God has been generous to me. I won’t be more Cristiano or less Cristiano if I win the World Cup or not.”
Ronaldo indicated he would not rush decisions regarding his future, stating he would not make choices “in the heat of the moment” but would instead take time with his family. “I will wake up tomorrow the same way I woke up today: with a clear conscience,” he added.
Martínez Backs Captain to the End
The defeat also marked Roberto Martínez’s final match as Portugal manager. The outgoing coach defended his decision to keep Ronaldo on the pitch throughout the contest, rejecting suggestions he should have introduced fresh legs such as Gonçalo Ramos.
“When you are a team who need a goal you cannot take him off,” Martínez explained. “He’s physically very capable, in open space and from dead balls; anything in the box, you need his experience.”
Martínez praised the 41-year-old’s influence during his tenure, which began amid questions over Ronaldo’s role. “He has been an exemplary captain. There aren’t many Ronaldos out there. His dream was to win this World Cup and he did this by being an amazing example within the dressing room.”
The manager added: “I’m not disappointed. I am proud. We played one of the favourites eye-to-eye.”
Ronaldo’s exit brings the curtain down on an international career that began in 2003, spanning six World Cups and establishing him as his country’s most capped player and record goalscorer.