The dream of the star striker from Portugal, Cristiano Ronaldo, of winning the FIFA World Cup remains unfulfilled. Portugal suffered a painful defeat against Spain with a score of 0:1 in the round of 16 match. This loss marked the end of 41-year-old Ronaldo's participation in the World Cup tournament.
Reaction after the defeat
After the game, a disappointed Ronaldo confirmed that it was his last World Cup, but he has not yet made a final decision about retiring from international football. The match, which took place on July 7th at the Denpas Stadium in Arlington, was very tense and remained balanced for a long time. However, the goal scored by substitute Mikel Merino during injuries late in the second half shattered the dream of Portugal and Ronaldo.
Ronaldo's statements about the future
Expressing his pain after the defeat, Cristiano Ronaldo admitted that leaving the last World Cup this way causes him deep sadness. He stated: 'I am sad about leaving the World Cup. I gave everything. I put in all the effort, and I leave here with a clear conscience. Yes, this is my last World Cup, but now I will have the opportunity to think and spend time with my family. I will not make hasty decisions.'
Refusal of emotional decisions
The main question after the defeat against Spain was whether Ronaldo played his last match for Portugal. Ronaldo did not give a direct answer to this question. He emphasized that he would not make decisions about his future based on the disappointment of the loss or emotions. Cristiano Ronaldo noted: 'I do not make decisions based on emotions.'
His statement suggests that despite ending his career at the World Cup, he might continue playing for Portugal for some time longer. Ronaldo believed that Portugal played a strong match against Spain, and the outcome could have been anything.
Experience and achievements in tournaments
Cristiano Ronaldo said: 'Spain was a bit lucky. It was the kind of match that could have ended in favor of any team.' In his career, Ronaldo participated in the FIFA World Cup for the sixth time, thus equaling the record. In this tournament, he scored three goals but could not lead the team to the final. Over two decades of brilliant careers in the World Cups, Cristiano Ronaldo has never reached the final.
Despite the disappointment of the defeat, Ronaldo expressed pride in his contribution to Portugal. He recalled that thanks to his participation, Portugal achieved the greatest successes in the history of football. Ronaldo stated: 'I won three titles for Portugal. Before Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal had not won a single title. The biggest national team title we won was in 2016 at the European Championship. Honestly, it is as important to me as the World Cup.'
Under Cristiano Ronaldo's leadership, Portugal won the Euro 2016 title, writing history. After that, the team also won the UEFA Nations League trophy in 2019 and 2025. Ronaldo achieved almost all major successes in both club and international football: five Ballon d'Or awards, brought three major titles to Portugal, and set countless records. However, the World Cup trophy never came to him.
