Ronaldo says his last World Cup is over but Portugal decision can wait
Portugal captain admits his team’s last-16 match against Spain was his last outing in the World Cup.
Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo’s final World Cup ended with a Spanish sting in the tail, courtesy of Mikel Merino’s last-gasp winner that earned a 1-0 round-of-16 win, but he was unwilling to make a hasty call on his international future.
Ronaldo told reporters in the mixed zone on Monday that Spain enjoyed “a bit of luck” to score through substitute Merino in the dying moments of a match he felt could have swung either way.
“I’m sad to be leaving the World Cup like this,” he 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.”
The 41-year-old stopped short of confirming whether he had played his final game for Portugal, saying he did not want a personal decision to overshadow the team’s campaign.
“I don’t make decisions in the heat of the moment,” he said.
Ronaldo, who helped Portugal win the 2016 European Championship plus the Nations League in 2019 and 2025, said he was proud of his contribution to the national team.
“I’ve won three titles for Portugal; before Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal hadn’t won a single title,” he said.
“The biggest title the national team has ever won was in 2016, the European Championship, which, to be honest, is just as significant to me as a World Cup.”
Portugal’s exit also came with Roberto Martinez’s departure as manager, and Ronaldo offered warm words for the Spaniard.
“I loved working with him,” he 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.
“It’s always sad to be knocked out of a major tournament. It’s a World Cup. The team was really coming into its own. We played well, in my view. It could have gone either way, but that’s football. We have to pick ourselves up and carry on.
“It’s frustrating to go out like this, but we can hold our heads high,” added the Al-Nassr forward.
Read the full story at Al Jazeera ↗
Portugal's World Cup ended with a 1-0 loss to Spain in the knockout stage, with Mikel Merino scoring in the final moments. Cristiano Ronaldo, at 41, confirmed this was his last World Cup tournament but stated he would take time to consider his international future rather than make an immediate decision. He expressed satisfaction with his performance and noted that Spain's victory involved some fortunate timing. Ronaldo highlighted his achievements with Portugal, including the 2016 European Championship and two Nations League titles, and commended departing manager Roberto Martinez.
Read the full story at Al Jazeera ↗
Portugal captain admits his team’s last-16 match against Spain was his last outing in the World Cup.
Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo’s final World Cup ended with a Spanish sting in the tail, courtesy of Mikel Merino’s last-gasp winner that earned a 1-0 round-of-16 win, but he was unwilling to make a hasty call on his international future.
Ronaldo told reporters in the mixed zone on Monday that Spain enjoyed “a bit of luck” to score through substitute Merino in the dying moments of a match he felt could have swung either way.
“I’m sad to be leaving the World Cup like this,” he 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.”
The 41-year-old stopped short of confirming whether he had played his final game for Portugal, saying he did not want a personal decision to overshadow the team’s campaign.
“I don’t make decisions in the heat of the moment,” he said.
Ronaldo, who helped Portugal win the 2016 European Championship plus the Nations League in 2019 and 2025, said he was proud of his contribution to the national team.
“I’ve won three titles for Portugal; before Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal hadn’t won a single title,” he said.
“The biggest title the national team has ever won was in 2016, the European Championship, which, to be honest, is just as significant to me as a World Cup.”
Portugal’s exit also came with Roberto Martinez’s departure as manager, and Ronaldo offered warm words for the Spaniard.
“I loved working with him,” he 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.
“It’s always sad to be knocked out of a major tournament. It’s a World Cup. The team was really coming into its own. We played well, in my view. It could have gone either way, but that’s football. We have to pick ourselves up and carry on.
“It’s frustrating to go out like this, but we can hold our heads high,” added the Al-Nassr forward.
Read the full story at Al Jazeera ↗
Spain defeated Portugal 1-0 in the World Cup round of 16 with a goal from Mikel Merino in the closing moments Ronaldo confirmed the match was his last World Cup appearance Ronaldo declined to immediately confirm whether he would retire from international football Ronaldo said Spain had 'a bit of luck' to score and the match could have gone either way Ronaldo stated he would reflect on his future rather than make hasty decisions Portugal won the 2016 European Championship and Nations League titles in 2019 and 2025 under Ronaldo Roberto Martinez departed as Portugal manager following the tournament exit
Read the full story at Al Jazeera ↗
- Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup campaign ended as Spain eliminated Portugal 1-0 in the round of 16 with Mikel Merino's late goal
- Ronaldo confirmed the match was his last World Cup appearance but declined to immediately announce his retirement from international football
- The 41-year-old said he would reflect before making decisions about his Portugal future and praised manager Roberto Martinez