Cristiano Ronaldo has acknowledged that his World Cup career is over, yet even at age 41 he insists he remains undecided about what comes next.
Twenty-three years after his first senior appearance, the Portugal captain’s 233rd international match concluded with a late 1-0 loss to Spain, sending his team out of the tournament in Dallas. He leaves as the only player to find the net at six different World Cups, and he said he departs with a calm mind, stressing that Portugal’s European Championship triumph in 2016 felt just as massive as a global crown and highlighting that his generation has been the country’s most decorated.
“It hurts to go out this way, but I left absolutely everything out there, I always gave my utmost,” Ronaldo said. “I can look at myself in the mirror. That’s football, that’s a player’s journey. Some days you win, some days you don’t. You have to keep moving forward. This was indeed my final World Cup, but regarding the rest: there will be a moment to reflect, to be alongside my family, and I won’t rush into any decision right now.”
“I’ll wake up tomorrow exactly as I did today: with my head held high. I emptied the tank. I claimed three trophies with Portugal. Before me, the nation had never lifted a major prize. The biggest one for me with the national side was in 2016, which in my eyes carries the same weight as a World Cup. So I’ll say it again: I walk away with a clear conscience. Tomorrow is a fresh start and life continues.”
Portugal head coach Roberto Martínez offered nothing but admiration for the 41-year-old forward despite another subdued showing against Spain. “I thanked him personally,” Martínez said. “He has been a captain in every sense. I came in at a time when there was a lot of noise and uncertainty around his role in the squad. But he has set the standard, not just through his goals but also the counterattacking moves he triggers. He is a benchmark, someone to look up to. He’s a true icon of the sport. There are very few like him.”
“His aim was to win this World Cup, and he did everything to fulfil that by being a remarkable influence inside the locker room. He exemplifies what football means: the player, the professional, and the person behind the profile.”
Martínez dismissed any notion that he should have replaced Ronaldo in what turned out to be his last World Cup fixture. “When you’re chasing a goal you don’t take a player like that off,” he argued. “He’s still extremely fit, threatening in space and on set pieces; any ball in the penalty area, you rely on his know‑how.
“Maybe if it had gone to extra time you could inject the freshness of Gonçalo Ramos. Today, we needed to keep our shape. It wasn’t the moment to withdraw your central striker, your finest finisher.”
The defeat also marked the end of Martínez’s spell as Portugal manager. “I’m not let down,” he stated. “I’m filled with pride. We went toe-to-toe with one of the tournament favourites. The path we took to be able to perform like that makes me hugely proud. Immensely proud of our character and concentration.”
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente was thrilled with the impact substitute Mikel Merino made, including the winning goal. “He’s an extraordinary footballer,” de la Fuente said, “one of the very best in his role anywhere in the world. He delivered a magnificent display and a superb finish. I would go and carry him to the national team myself if needed. The input of our substitutes has been massive throughout this competition.”
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