Cristiano Ronaldo Bids Farewell to World Cup Career After Portugal Exit

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Cristiano Ronaldo said he leaves the FIFA World Cup with a "clear conscience" after Portugal's 1-0 defeat to Spain in the Round of 16 brought an end to his final appearance at football's biggest tournament.

Spain booked their place in the quarterfinals after substitute Mikel Merino scored the winning goal in the first minute of second-half stoppage time at Dallas Stadium (AT&T Stadium) in Arlington, Texas, on Monday, ending Portugal's World Cup campaign in heartbreaking fashion.

An emotional Ronaldo was seen wiping away tears and applauding Portugal supporters after the final whistle before confirming that the 2026 tournament was his last World Cup.

"I'm sad to leave the World Cup this way," Ronaldo told reporters after the match.

"I gave it my all, and I leave with a clear conscience. It was my last World Cup, yes. But now there's time to reflect, be with my family, and not make decisions in the heat of the moment."

As reported by ESPN, the 41-year-old ended his World Cup career with 27 appearances—the second-most in tournament history behind Argentina captain Lionel Messi's 30—and 11 goals, tied for ninth on the all-time scoring list. He also became the first player to score in six different World Cup editions after finding the net three times during the 2026 tournament.

Although Ronaldo confirmed that he would not play in another World Cup, he stopped short of announcing his retirement from international football, saying he wanted time to consider his future.

"I don't make decisions in the heat of the moment," he said.

Ronaldo's World Cup dream ultimately remained unfulfilled despite one of the most decorated international careers in football. Portugal's deepest run came in 2006, when they reached the semifinals in his tournament debut.

However, the veteran forward highlighted Portugal's historic successes during his international career, including the 2016 UEFA European Championship and UEFA Nations League titles in 2019 and 2025.

"I've won three titles for Portugal. Before Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal hadn't won a single title," he said.

"The biggest title the national team has ever won was in 2016, the European Championship, which, to be honest, is just as significant to me as a World Cup."

According to CNA, Ronaldo also declined to let discussion about his future overshadow Portugal's elimination, insisting the focus should remain on the team's performance.

"It's always sad to be knocked out of a major tournament. It’s a World Cup," he said.

"The team was really coming into its own. We played well, in my view. It could have gone either way, but that's football. We have to pick ourselves up and carry on."

Portugal coach Roberto Martínez paid tribute to Ronaldo after the match, describing the five-time Ballon d'Or winner as an exemplary captain and one of football's greatest icons.

"He's been an exemplary captain," Martínez said. "He's been a role model, not just with goals and assists, but with his commitment and how he experiences football."

"We're talking about an icon in football. There aren't many Cristiano Ronaldos. We have to be thankful for what he did at this World Cup."

Martínez also defended his decision to keep Ronaldo on the field for the entire match despite Portugal chasing an equalizer late in the game.

"When you're a team and you need a goal, you can't take Cristiano Ronaldo off," Martínez said. "He's a presence, he opens space, and in any situation inside the box he can make the difference."

Ronaldo, meanwhile, thanked Martínez for his work with Portugal amid reports that the Spaniard's tenure has come to an end.

"I loved working with him," Ronaldo said. "A great manager, a great human being, and what he's done for Portugal is to be commended. I want to thank him and wish him every happiness."

Portugal's World Cup campaign ended one match short of the quarterfinals, while Spain advanced to face the winner of the remaining Round of 16 fixtures.

Read: Merino Fires Spain Past Portugal Into World Cup Quarterfinals

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