Ronaldo confirms he will not play in another FIFA World Cup after Portugal’s last-16 exit

Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo’s last World Cup ended with a Spanish sting in the tail, courtesy of Mikel Merino’s last-gasp winner to secure a 1-0 win in the Round of 16 on Monday, but he was unwilling to make a hasty call on his international future.

Ronaldo told reporters in the mixed zone that Spain enjoyed “a bit of luck” by scoring through substitute Merino in the closing moments of a match he said could have gone either way.

«I’m sorry to have to leave the World Cup in this way,» he said.

«I gave everything. I did my best and I leave with a clear conscience. It was my last World Cup, yes, but now I have time to think and be with my family. I will not make any hasty decisions,» he added.

The 41-year-old would not confirm whether he had played his last 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.

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Ronaldo, who helped Portugal win the 2016 European Championship and the Nations League in 2019 and 2025, said he was proud of his contribution to the national team.

«I won three titles for Portugal; before Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal had not 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 as important to me as a World Cup,” he added.

Portugal’s departure also came with the departure of Roberto Martinez as manager, and Ronaldo had warm words for the Spaniard.

“I loved working with him,” he said. «A great manager, a great person, and what he has done for Portugal must be commended. I would like to thank him and wish him the best of luck…

«It’s always sad to get knocked out in a big tournament. It’s a World Cup. The team really came into its own. We played well, in my opinion. It could have gone either way, but that’s football. We have to pick ourselves up and keep going. It’s frustrating to go out like this, but we can keep our heads high,» the Al-Nassr forward added.

Published on July 7, 2026