Ronaldo reflects on international career after final World Cup appearance
By Joel Masibo, July 7, 2026Cristiano Ronaldo’s dream of lifting the FIFA World Cup trophy has officially come to an end after Portugal was knocked out of the tournament by Spain on Monday, July 6, 2026.
Portugal’s narrow 1-0 loss to its Iberian rival in the Round of 16 marked the conclusion of Ronaldo’s World Cup journey. The 41-year-old made his sixth and final appearance at the global tournament, bringing to a close a career on football’s biggest stage that began at the 2006 World Cup in Germany.
Ahead of kickoff, Ronaldo emerged from the tunnel wearing Portugal’s captain’s armband and his famous No. 7 jersey. As his face appeared on the stadium’s giant screens, the packed crowd inside Dallas Stadium responded with a mixture of applause and jeers.
Ronaldo’s reflections
After the match, Ronaldo described the contest as “a very balanced match.”
“It could have gone either way. Spain had that little bit of luck to score in the final moments, but that’s football. Overall, it was a well-contested game,” he said.
The Portuguese forward came closest to scoring during the opening half when he connected with a header from Joao Felix across the face of goal. However, Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon reacted brilliantly to deny him, extending his impressive run of clean sheets at the tournament.
Spain eventually broke the deadlock deep into stoppage time. Ronaldo quickly retrieved the ball from the net and rushed it back to the center circle, encouraging his teammates to chase a late equaliser.
Following the final whistle, the veteran striker remained near the halfway line for a moment before acknowledging Portugal’s supporters, who loudly sang his name. Overcome with emotion, he bowed his head and wiped tears from his face.
Speaking afterward in the mixed zone, Ronaldo confirmed that he had played his final FIFA World Cup.
“This was my last World Cup, yes,” he said. “It’s normal to feel sad to go out like this. But as I said yesterday, I gave everything. I gave my best, and I leave with a clear conscience.”
The Portugal skipper added that he would not rush into deciding what comes next in his career.
“I’ll have time to think about it, to be with my family. I won’t make decisions with a hot head. Life goes on.”
Representing Portugal
Reflecting on his years representing Portugal, Ronaldo expressed satisfaction with what the national team had accomplished during his time.
“I’ve won three titles with Portugal. I’m happy with what I’ve achieved.”
Although he never managed to win the World Cup, Ronaldo said Portugal’s victory at UEFA Euro 2016 remains the proudest moment of his international career.
“The greatest title I won with the national team was in 2016. For me, it has the same value as winning a World Cup, honestly.”
“I leave with a clear conscience. I gave everything I had. Tomorrow is a new day, and life goes on,” he said.