Cristiano Ronaldo reflects on his Portugal retirement plan
Cristiano Ronaldo insists he will take time to ponder his international future after Portugal were dumped out of the World Cup by Spain in the round of 16.
A late stoppage-time winner from Mikel Merino sealed a 1-0 victory for Spain in Dallas, bringing a dramatic and heartbreaking end to Portugal’s campaign. The defeat also prompted the immediate departure of manager Roberto Martinez, who stepped down at the natural end of his contract cycle.
The 41-year-old forward, who played the full 90 minutes but struggled to break down a resolute Spanish defense, confirmed before the match that this would be the final World Cup tournament of his legendary career. However, speaking after the final whistle, the Al-Nassr striker stopped short of announcing a complete retirement from the national team.
”I don’t make decisions in the heat of the moment, nor do I want to take attention away from what was achieved at the World Cup because of a personal decision,” Ronaldo said. “I’m sad to be leaving the World Cup like this. I gave it my all. I did my best and I’m leaving with a clear conscience. It was my last World Cup, yes, but I’ll now have time to reflect and be with my family. I won’t be making any rash decisions.”
Reflecting on his historic 23-year international career, which included historic triumphs at Euro 2016 as well as the 2019 and 2025 Nations League Finals, Ronaldo remained fiercely proud of how he reshaped Portuguese football.
”I played 23 years in the national team and won three titles,” he added. “Before Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal hadn’t won a single title. The biggest title the national team has ever won was in 2016, the European Championship, which, to be honest, is just as significant to me as a World Cup.”
While the final whistle in Texas may signal the closing of his final chapter on football’s grandest global stage, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner is determined to let the dust settle before deciding if he will ever wear the famous red and green shirt again.
