Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed that he has played his last World Cup match, following Portugal's 1-0 defeat by Spain in the last 16 of the 2026 tournament. The 41-year-old forward, who made his debut 23 years ago, played his 233rd game for Portugal in Dallas, but the loss ended his nation's campaign. Ronaldo, the only man to have scored at six World Cups, said he departs at peace, citing Portugal's 2016 European Championship win as equivalent to a world title and noting that his era has been the most successful in the country's history.
Ronaldo's Emotional Farewell
“I am sad to leave like this but I have given everything, always given my best,” Ronaldo said. “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.” He added, “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.”
Manager's Praise for Ronaldo
Portugal manager Roberto Martínez praised Ronaldo despite another unimpressive display against Spain. “I had a word of thanks to him,” Martínez said. “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.” Martínez added, “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.”
Decision Not to Substitute Ronaldo
Martínez rejected suggestions that he should have substituted Ronaldo in what proved to be his final World Cup match. “When you are a team who need a goal you cannot take him off,” he said. “He’s physically very capable, in open space and from dead balls; anything in the box, you need his experience. Probably in extra time would be when you might use the energy of Gonçalo Ramos. Today, we had to keep the structure. It’s not the time to take your centre-forward, your best goalscorer off.”
Martínez's Final Game as Portugal Manager
The defeat was also Martínez's last game as Portugal manager. “I’m not disappointed,” he said. “I am proud. We played one of the favourites eye-to-eye. The journey we had to be able to play like this. I feel immense pride. Immense pride in our personality and focus.”
Spain's Joy at Merino's Winning Goal
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente praised substitute Mikel Merino, who scored the late winner. “He’s an exceptional player,” de la Fuente said, “one of the best in his position worldwide. He’s given us a fantastic performance and a fantastic goal. I would go and pick him up and carry him to the national squad if I had to. The contribution of our substitutes has been enormous throughout the tournament.”
