Cristiano Ronaldo’s pursuit of the FIFA World Cup title finally came to an end.
Portugal’s 1-0 defeat to Spain in the FIFA World Cup round of 16 on Monday brought the curtain down on the 41-year-old’s sixth and final World Cup, ending a journey that began in Germany in 2006.
Hours earlier, Ronaldo had led Portugal out for the pre-match warm-up, wearing the captain’s armband and his iconic No. 7 shirt. As his image appeared on the giant screen, cheers mixed with boos echoed around the packed Dallas Stadium.
Ronaldo described the game as “a very balanced match.” “It could have gone either way. Spain had that little bit of luck to score in the final moments, but that’s football. Overall, it was a well-contested game.”
His best chance came in the first half when he stretched to meet Joao Felix’s header across goal, only to see his effort saved by Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon, who extended his World Cup shutout streak.
When Spain scored in stoppage time, Ronaldo immediately collected the ball from the net and carried it back to the center circle, urging his teammates to make one final push.
After the final whistle, he stood quietly near midfield before turning toward the Portugal supporters, who chanted his name.
Moments later, he lowered his head and wiped away tears. In the mixed zone, Ronaldo confirmed that his sixth World Cup had indeed been his last, according to Xinhua.
“This was my last World Cup, yes,” he said. “It’s normal to feel sad to go out like this. But as I said yesterday, I gave everything. I gave my best, and I leave with a clear conscience.”
The Portugal captain said he would take time before making any decisions about his future.
“I’ll have time to think about it, to be with my family. I won’t make decisions with a hot head. Life goes on.”
Looking back on his international career, Ronaldo highlighted the success Portugal had achieved during his era. “I’ve won three titles with Portugal. I’m happy with what I’ve achieved.”
Although a World Cup title eluded him, Ronaldo said Portugal’s triumph at UEFA Euro 2016 remained the defining achievement of his international career.
“The greatest title I won with the national team was in 2016. For me, it has the same value as winning a World Cup, honestly.”
“I leave with a clear conscience. I gave everything I had. Tomorrow is a new day, and life goes on,” he said.
