Georgina Rodriguez, the fiancée of Cristiano Ronaldo, has publicly expressed her support for the football star following Portugal's dramatic World Cup exit in Dallas. The 1-0 defeat to Spain in the round of 16 marked the end of Ronaldo's international career, as he announced his retirement from the national team shortly after the match.
Georgina's Social Media Tribute
Rodriguez took to Instagram Stories to share a touching message for Ronaldo. She reshared a post from Nike Football that featured a side profile of the striker with the caption: "His Legend Lives On." To this, she added a red love heart emoji, symbolizing her continued pride in his achievements. The post came hours after Portugal's heartbreaking loss, where Mikel Merino's injury-time goal sealed their fate.
Ronaldo's Emotional Farewell
Ronaldo was visibly emotional after the match, with tears streaming down his face as he left the pitch. He had a chance to equalize with the final kick of the game, but failed to connect with Bruno Fernandes' free kick. This miss ended Portugal's hopes of forcing extra time. The 41-year-old had featured in his sixth World Cup, a record for any male player.
Criticism and Comparisons
Despite his legendary status, Ronaldo faced harsh criticism from media outlets. ABC described him as "largely unnoticed" and a "shadow of his former self," citing his lack of speed, dribbling, and bite. The outlet also questioned his role as the main attacking threat, suggesting it limited Portugal's attacking output. Comparisons to Lionel Messi, who led Argentina to World Cup glory in 2022, continued to haunt Ronaldo.
Support from Loved Ones
Those close to Ronaldo have rallied around him in the aftermath of the defeat. His fiancée had regularly shared her pride throughout the tournament. On the eve of the Spain game, Ronaldo posted a message saying: "For everyone. For Portugal," adding that it was the country's "time." He also wore a bracelet featuring the names of all his teammates, including the late Diogo Jota, who tragically died in a car accident last year.
Retirement and Legacy
Ronaldo has yet to comment publicly on his retirement, but his decision marks the end of an era for Portuguese football. With 130 international goals, he remains one of the greatest players in history. His World Cup journey, though ending in disappointment, cements his legacy as a five-time Ballon d'Or winner and a symbol of national pride.
