Cristiano Ronaldo left the FIFA World Cup stage for the last time after Spain won the round of 16 match. He participated in his final World Cup match on Monday, and the dream of winning the main trophy turned into a 1-0 defeat against Spain, leaving him with tears in his eyes.
Last Tournament and Disappointment
The 41-year-old captain of Portugal, one of the greatest players of all time, stated that he will now retire to consider his next steps. Despite a rich collection of trophies won in major European clubs and experience winning with his national team, the World Cup medal was missing from his cabinet of honors. In the last match in Texas, he did not perform his best.
He admitted his disappointment, saying: 'This is football, this is a footballer's life. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, and you have to move on.' Ronaldo, who is the top scorer in the history of men's international football, announced that he is leaving the World Cup 'with a clear conscience.'
Significance of Other Titles
He noted that the most significant title he won with the national team is Euro 2016, which he considers as important as the World Cup. The best World Cup of his career, he recalls, was the semi-final 20 years ago. His performance in this unsuccessful match reflected the changes that have occurred with this veteran in recent years, unlike the player who used to intimidate opponents.
In this tournament, he had three attempts to score a goal and played a secondary role in the center of Portugal's ineffective attack. Throughout the tournament in North America, he scored three goals: two in the 5-0 victory over Uzbekistan and one penalty against Croatia in the 32nd round. However, he failed to make a single assist. At one point against Spain, he raised his hands in the air when a teammate's pass went astray. He left the field voluntarily at the home stadium of the Dallas Cowboys.
Career and Achievements
Ronaldo went from living in a poor family on the island of Madeira, where his father suffered from alcoholism, to becoming a global superstar. His constant pursuit of records, relentless desire for self-improvement, and dedication to his art sustained him until age 40. Off the field, he is also a phenomenon—the first billionaire footballer with 671 million followers on Instagram, and his 'Siuuu!' celebration is imitated by children around the world.
His football journey began with Sporting Lisbon, and then he became a global icon at Manchester United. After six years of glory in the Champions League, he shone at Real Madrid, where he won four more European trophies. This was followed by a period at Juventus, a return to United, and now he is the face of the Saudi Arabian project to strengthen football authority at Al-Nassr. Among his numerous awards are five Ballon d'Or awards.
Current Stage of Career
In recent years, Ronaldo's image has changed. As his physical capabilities decline and the virtuosity of movement and speed that were once his trademark decrease, he has shifted from the flanks to a more traditional number nine position. Accusations have arisen against Ronaldo and Portugal's coach Roberto Martínez that they are prolonging his international career. Although Martínez made two double substitutions late in the match in pursuit of the game against Spain, Ronaldo remained on the field. Before the match, Ronaldo insisted: 'I will not be more or less Cristiano Ronaldo because whether I win the World Cup or not.'
