Cristiano Ronaldo confirms goodbye to World Cup football

Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed that Portugal’s defeat to Spain marked his final FIFA World Cup, although he stopped short of announcing his retirement from international football.

Speaking after Portugal’s 1-0 defeat in the last 16 on Monday, the 41-year-old captain said he would now take time to reflect before deciding whether to continue representing the national team.

“I am sad to leave the World Cup like this, but as I said before, I gave everything and did my very best,” Ronaldo told reporters. “It was my last World Cup, yes, but now I will have time to think and be with my family. I don’t make hot-headed decisions, and I don’t want a personal decision to take attention away from what the team achieved at the World Cup.”

The Al Nassr forward leaves the tournament having extended his record as Portugal’s most-capped player, with 233 appearances and 145 international goals.

Reflecting on his career with the national team, Ronaldo highlighted Portugal’s recent success, including victory at Euro 2016 and the UEFA Nations League in 2019 and 2025.

“Before Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal hadn’t won any titles,” he said. “I’m proud of what I’ve achieved. For me, winning Euro 2016 has the same importance as winning a World Cup. I leave with a clear conscience because I gave everything.”

Asked to assess Portugal’s World Cup campaign, Ronaldo admitted the team had fallen short of its potential but believed they had been eliminated by one of the strongest sides in the tournament.

“Portugal could have done better, but we were knocked out by one of the teams that will reach the final or come very close,” he said. “It’s always sad to leave a major competition. We were improving, and I think we played a good match. It could have gone either way – that’s football. We have to get back up and continue.”

Ronaldo also paid tribute to departing Portugal coach Roberto Martínez, who announced after the match that he was stepping down.

“I loved working with him,” Ronaldo said. “He’s a great coach and a great human being. What he did for Portugal deserves recognition. He won a title with Portugal, and people don’t always appreciate how difficult that is. I want to thank him and wish him every happiness.”

Michael Bruxo

Journalist for the Portugal Resident.