Ronaldo plays his final World Cup and claims three titles won with Portugal

Cristiano Ronaldo played his final World Cup match on Monday evening, defeated with Portugal by Spain (0-1) in the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup. At 41 years old, the Al-Nassr forward confirmed the end of his World Cup adventure after the match, without definitively settling the future of his international career.

“It was my last World Cup, yes, but for the rest, I’ll have time to think,” Ronaldo said in the post-match interview. “I’m going to spend time with my family, avoid making decisions in the heat of the moment, and I’m going to continue my life.” Author of three goals in the tournament — a brace against Uzbekistan and a penalty against Croatia — he said he was leaving with a “clear conscience” after having “given everything” for his country.

Faced with recurring criticism about his record with the Seleção, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner went on the offensive. In 233 caps, he claims 148 goals and three trophies: Euro 2016, and two editions of the UEFA Nations League (2019, 2025). “Before Cristiano, there were no titles, so I’m happy,” he said. He gave particular value to the 2016 triumph: “It’s the most beautiful title I’ve won with the national team. For me, it’s worth as much as a World Cup, honestly.”

On the elimination itself, Ronaldo refused to blame his teammates. “Tonight, it was a very balanced match, it could have gone either way. Spain had a bit of luck scoring in the final seconds, but that’s football.” A Spanish goal scored in added time that closes, at least in the World Cup, the longest chapter in Portuguese national team history.