2026-07-07 11:08:03

Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed that he has played his final World Cup game as Portugal were knocked out of the tournament.

The 41-year-old icon’s dream of winning football’s biggest prize was dashed as his team fell to a 1-0 defeat against Spain in the last 16 tie in Dallas on Monday (06.07.26), although he has refused to confirm whether he will retire from international football completely.

Ronaldo, the only man to score at six World Cups, said: “I am sad to leave like this but I have given everything, always given my best.

“I go with a clear conscience. This is football, it is the life of a footballer. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. You have to carry on. It was my last World Cup, yes, but as far as the rest of it is concerned: there will be time to think, to be with my family, [I will] not make decisions in the heat of the moment.”

Ronaldo pointed out that Portugal have won three trophies during his international career and considers the country’s Euro 2016 triumph to be on par with a World Cup victory.

The Al-Nassr player said: “I will wake up tomorrow the same way I woke up today: with a clear conscience. I gave my all. 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. So I repeat: I leave here with a clear conscience. Tomorrow will be another day and life goes on.”

Portugal coach Roberto Martinez had glowing praise for Ronaldo, who was ineffective against Spain amid debate that his presence was holding the team back.

Martinez, who stood down as Portugal boss following the game, said: “I had a word of thanks to him. He has been an exemplary captain. I arrived when there was a lot of confusion and questions in terms of his position in the team. But he has been an example not only in the number of goals he has scored, but also in the counterattacks he leads. He is an example, a role model to follow. He is a football icon. 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. He is a prime example of football, the athlete, and the human being who is behind that athlete.”

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