An emotional Cristiano Ronaldo confirmed his World Cup career is over after Portugal were knocked out 1-0 by Spain in the Round of 16 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Monday.
A 90th-minute winner from substitute Mikel Merino was enough to send Spain through to the quarterfinals, ending Portugal’s campaign and bringing the curtain down on Ronaldo’s sixth and final World Cup.
The 41-year-old was visibly moved at the final whistle, wiping away tears as he applauded supporters inside Dallas Stadium.
“I’m sad to leave the World Cup this way,” Ronaldo told reporters. “As I said yesterday, I gave it my all, and I leave with a clear conscience. That’s the life of a footballer. You have to move forward.”
“It was my last World Cup, yes. But as for the rest, there’s time to think, to be with my family, and not say things in the heat of the moment.”
Ronaldo did not rule out continuing to play for Portugal in other competitions, but made it clear that Qatar 2022 – USA/Canada and Mexico 2026 was his last appearance on football’s biggest stage.
The defeat means Ronaldo bows out without the one major trophy missing from his glittering collection. He retires as the all-time leader in international goals with 146 and international appearances with 233. His 27 World Cup games are the second-most in history, behind only Lionel Messi’s 30.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner is also the only player to score in six different World Cups. He netted three times in this tournament and 11 goals overall, tied for ninth on the all-time World Cup scoring list.
Ronaldo helped Portugal win Euro 2016 and two UEFA Nations League titles. His best World Cup finish remained the semifinals in 2006.
“I’ve given my all. I’ve won three titles with Portugal,” he said. “The 2016 title is on the same level as a World Cup.”[Euros]
Portugal coach Roberto Martínez paid tribute to his captain after the match
“He’s been an exemplary captain,” Martínez said. “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. As a player, a captain, on a human level, we’ll all take it with us forever.”
Spain goalkeeper Unai Simón frustrated Portugal all night, extending his World Cup record to 609 minutes without conceding a goal. Martínez defended his decision to keep Ronaldo on for the full 90 minutes.
With Spain advancing and Portugal heading home, Ronaldo’s remarkable 20-year World Cup journey comes to a close.
