Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed that the 2026 FIFA World Cup was the final World Cup of his illustrious career, but the Portuguese superstar has stopped short of announcing his retirement from international football.
The 41-year-old made the comments after Portugal’s 1-0 defeat to Spain in the Round of 16 on Monday, a result that ended the team’s hopes of progressing further in the tournament.
Spain secured victory through a dramatic late goal from substitute Mikel Merino, whose stoppage-time strike broke Portuguese hearts and sent the European rivals into the quarter-finals.
‘It Was My Last World Cup’
Speaking to reporters after the match, Ronaldo admitted he was deeply disappointed by Portugal’s exit but said he wanted to take time before making any decisions about his international future.
“I’m sad to be leaving the World Cup like this,” Ronaldo said.
“I gave it my all. I did my best and I’m leaving with a clear conscience. It was my last World Cup, yes, but I’ll now have time to reflect and be with my family. I won’t be making any rash decisions.”
Although he acknowledged that he would not play in another World Cup, Ronaldo declined to confirm whether Monday’s match had been his final appearance for Portugal.
“I don’t make decisions in the heat of the moment,” he added.
Ronaldo Believes Match Could Have Gone Either Way
Reflecting on the defeat, Ronaldo said Portugal had performed well and believed Spain needed a measure of fortune to secure victory.
According to the veteran forward, the tightly contested encounter could have gone in either team’s favour before Merino’s late winner settled the match.
Despite the disappointment, Ronaldo praised his teammates for their effort throughout the tournament and said the squad should remain proud of its performances.
Proud of His Achievements with Portugal
Looking back on his international career, Ronaldo highlighted the success Portugal enjoyed during his time with the national team.
He pointed to the country’s victories at the UEFA European Championship in 2016 and the UEFA Nations League in 2019 and 2025, saying those triumphs transformed Portuguese football.
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“I’ve won three titles for Portugal; before Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal hadn’t won a single title,” he said.
Ronaldo added that winning the 2016 European Championship remains one of the greatest achievements of his career, describing it as every bit as meaningful as lifting the FIFA World Cup trophy.
Tribute to Outgoing Coach Roberto Martinez
Portugal’s World Cup exit also marked the end of Roberto Martinez’s tenure as head coach.
Ronaldo paid tribute to the Spanish manager, describing him as both an outstanding coach and an exceptional person.
“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.”
An Uncertain Next Chapter
While Ronaldo has ruled out another World Cup appearance, his immediate future with the Portuguese national team remains undecided.
The veteran striker emphasized that he would not allow an emotional reaction to dictate such an important decision, choosing instead to reflect on his career with his family before determining whether to continue representing Portugal.
For now, one chapter has officially closed. Ronaldo’s record-breaking World Cup journey has come to an end, but football fans around the world must wait a little longer to learn whether one of the sport’s greatest players has also played his final international match.
