Cristiano Ronaldo’s FIFA World Cup career has concluded at the age of 41 after Mikel Merino scored a stoppage-time winner to send Spain past Portugal and into the quarter-finals. The Real Sociedad midfielder struck in the dying moments of the last-16 tie, calmly rolling the ball past Diogo Costa after latching onto a precise through-ball from Ferran Torres.
Merino’s finish sparked celebrations that echoed his father’s goal for Osasuna in Stuttgart in 1991, the midfielder sprinting around the corner flag to mark a dramatic winner. At the opposite end of the pitch, Ronaldo stood motionless as the final whistle confirmed his departure from the international stage. The former Manchester United and Real Madrid forward leaves as the only player to have scored in six World Cup finals, though his final tournament appearance offered a stark illustration of his physical decline.
Ronaldo’s final chapter
The 41-year-old’s performance recalled his exclusion from Portugal’s 6-1 victory over Switzerland at the 2022 World Cup, when his replacement Gonçalo Ramos scored a hat-trick. Deployed as a central striker in what became his farewell appearance, Ronaldo frequently dropped deep in search of possession but lacked the pace to trouble Spain’s defence. During one rare Portuguese break late in the second half, he was forced to check back and lay the ball to his right-back after finding himself unable to drive past markers.
Throughout the match, Ronaldo repeatedly demanded possession from teammates, who often appeared compelled to feed the striker despite his limited mobility. The atmosphere was occasionally tense, with sections of Portuguese supporters audibly displeased when Lamine Yamal was in possession.
Spain’s midfield control
Spain controlled possession through a technically gifted midfield, with Rodri increasingly resembling the commanding figure who dominated the European Championship before suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury. Yet Luis de la Fuente’s side continue to lack the incisive threat they possessed two years ago, when Nico Williams provided width on the left flank. Lamine Yamal struggled to impose himself until Nuno Mendes, who had been excellent for Portugal, was forced off with an injury sustained while blocking a shot from the Barcelona teenager.
The Paris Saint-Germain full-back had earlier struck the crossbar with a deflected effort and had successfully limited Yamal’s influence before his departure. His removal shifted the contest’s momentum, allowing Spain to apply greater pressure that eventually yielded Merino’s decisive contribution.
What comes next
The victory sends Spain to Los Angeles for a quarter-final meeting on Friday with either the United States or Belgium. For Portugal, the defeat concludes a campaign that once again raised questions about Ronaldo’s integration into a talented squad featuring emerging stars, ending an era defined by one of football’s most enduring yet increasingly divisive presences.