Cristiano RonaldoWHAT FIFA World Cup The journey came to an emotional end on Monday when Portugal were knocked out by Spain in the Round of 16, bringing down the curtain on the legendary forward’s sixth and final appearance at football’s biggest tournament. The 41-year-old left the pitch visibly emotional after the 1-0 defeat to Portugal. He briefly acknowledged the traveling supporters with a wave before wiping away tears, fully aware that his World Cup career had reached its end. Reflecting on the loss, Ronaldo: admitted that it was difficult to hide the disappointment. “It’s sad – it’s normal after being eliminated like this,” Ronaldo said after the match, moments after covering his eyes with his right hand. Although his World Cup chapter is over, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner said he has no regrets about what he gave for his country. “I gave it my all, I gave it my best, and I left with a clear conscience,” he said. “This is soccer, this is life for a soccer player. Sometimes you win and sometimes you lose.” Ronaldo stated before the match that he hopes his final World Cup campaign will continue and wants to enjoy every moment. However, after Portugal’s exit, he reaffirmed that this tournament will indeed be his last on the global stage. While he hasn’t ruled out another World Cup appearance, Ronaldo stopped short of revealing what’s next in his playing career. “Yes, this is my last World Cup, but everything I think about, to be with my family, and not to make any rash decision and move on with life,” he said. The Portuguese captain almost found the net against Spain. His best opportunity came in the first half when Spain goalkeeper Unai Simón produced a spectacular save, leaping high before reaching back to grab the ball with both hands. Ronaldo registered three shots in total, with two forced saves from the Spanish goalkeeper, including an acrobatic overhead effort after João Félix’s header bounced off Simón’s shoulder. Portugal coach Roberto Martínez paid an emotional tribute to Ronaldo after the match, praising his influence on the team and his lasting legacy on the game. “He is an example, an example to follow. This is a person we must celebrate. We are talking about a football icon,” said Martínez. “There aren’t too many Cristiano Ronaldos out there. I think we have to thank him. His dream was to win the World Cup and he did it as a wonderful example in the locker room.” Although Ronaldo never lifted the World Cup trophy, his impact on Portuguese football remains unparalleled. Portugal did not win a major international title before his time, but under his leadership they won the 2016 European Championship and later added victories in the UEFA Nations League in 2019 and 2025. Ronaldo’s last World Cup also added another chapter to his incredible record book. He remains the only player to score in six consecutive World Cups and continues to hold the record for most international goals with 146. He finished his World Cup career with 11 goals, tied for ninth on the tournament’s all-time scoring list. One of his most iconic World Cup moments came in 2018 when he scored a stunning hat-trick against Spain in a memorable 3-3 group stage draw. At 33, he became the oldest player to score a World Cup hat-trick, a record that stood until Lionel Messiaged 38, scored three times for Argentina against Algeria on June 16. Despite ending his World Cup dream in tragedy, Ronaldo left the tournament as one of the greatest players ever, with a legacy that goes beyond goals and records.