Cristiano Ronaldo‘s remarkable FIFA World Cup journey came to an emotional end on Monday as Portugal were knocked out by Spain in the Round of 16, bringing the curtain down on the legendary forward’s sixth and final appearance at football’s biggest tournament. The 41-year-old left the pitch visibly emotional after Portugal’s 1-0 defeat. He briefly acknowledged the travelling supporters with a wave before wiping away tears, fully aware that his World Cup career had reached its conclusion. Reflecting on the defeat, Ronaldo admitted the disappointment was difficult to hide. “Sad — it’s normal after being eliminated like this,” Ronaldo said after the match, moments after briefly covering his eyes with his right hand. Although his World Cup chapter is over, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner said he has no regrets about what he gave for his country. “I’ve given everything, I’ve given my best, and I leave with a clear conscience,” he said. “This is soccer, this is life for a soccer player. Sometimes you win and sometimes you lose.” Ronaldo had expressed before the match that he hoped his final World Cup campaign would continue and wanted to savour every moment. However, following Portugal’s elimination, he confirmed once again that this tournament would indeed be his last on the global stage. While he ruled out another World Cup appearance, Ronaldo stopped short of revealing what comes next in his playing career. “Yes, it was my last World Cup, but everything else I’ll have time to think about, to be with my family, and not make any decision hot-headed and move on with life,” he said. The Portuguese captain came close to finding the net against Spain. His best opportunity arrived in the first half when Spain goalkeeper Unai Simón produced a spectacular save, leaping high before reaching back to claim the ball with both hands. Ronaldo registered three shots in total, with two forcing saves from the Spanish goalkeeper, including an acrobatic overhead effort after João Félix’s header had rebounded off Simón’s shoulder. Portugal coach Roberto Martínez paid an emotional tribute to Ronaldo after the match, praising both his influence on the team and his lasting legacy in the sport. “He is an example, a role model to follow. This is somebody that we need to celebrate. We’re talking about a football icon,” Martínez said. “There aren’t too many Cristiano Ronaldos out there. I think we need to thank him. His dream was to win the World Cup and he did this as an amazing example in the locker room.” Although Ronaldo never lifted the World Cup trophy, his impact on Portuguese football remains unmatched. Portugal had not won a major international title before his era, but under his leadership they captured the 2016 European Championship and later added UEFA Nations League triumphs in 2019 and 2025. Ronaldo’s final World Cup also added another chapter to his extraordinary record book. He remains the only player to score in six consecutive World Cups and continues to hold the record for the most international goals with 146. He finished his World Cup career with 11 goals, tied for ninth on the tournament’s all-time scoring list. One of his most iconic World Cup moments came in 2018 when he scored a stunning hat-trick against Spain in a memorable 3-3 group-stage draw. At 33, he became the oldest player to score a World Cup hat-trick, a record that stood until Lionel Messi, aged 38, netted three times for Argentina against Algeria on June 16. Despite ending his World Cup dream in heartbreak, Ronaldo leaves the tournament as one of its greatest-ever players, with a legacy that extends far beyond goals and records.
