Cristiano Ronaldo's FIFA World Cup Career Ends After Portugal's Defeat

Cristiano Ronaldo's glorious FIFA World Cup career ended on a hot and humid afternoon in Dallas. The World Cup journey of Ronaldo, one of the greatest players in world football, has ended after Portugal was defeated 1-0 by Spain in the Round of 16 match.

Monday's match was Ronaldo's last appearance for Portugal in the World Cup. He has left his indelible mark in six consecutive World Cups.

After the match, Ronaldo confirmed his World Cup farewell, saying, 'I am sad to be eliminated from the World Cup like this.' He added, 'I gave my best. I tried my best and now I am leaving with a peaceful mind. Yes, this was my last World Cup. Now I will have the opportunity to think and spend time with my family. I will not make any hasty decisions.'

The 41-year-old Ronaldo did not give a clear response on whether this was his last match for Portugal or not. He said he did not want personal decisions to overshadow the team's campaign.

After the match ended, Ronaldo, trying to hold back tears, cast a final glance towards the Dallas stadium. After thanking the spectators with applause, he slowly walked towards the dressing room, holding the captain's armband in his hand.

Although he never lifted the World Cup trophy, Ronaldo will be remembered as one of the most successful and respected players in the history of world football.

Ronaldo's World Cup Records

Ronaldo, who scored two goals against Uzbekistan in the group stage this year to give Portugal a 5-0 victory, became the first and only player in the world to score in six consecutive World Cups – 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022, and 2026.

Ronaldo is also the player with the most appearances for Portugal in the World Cup. He has played 27 World Cup matches, scoring 11 goals.

His goal against Croatia this year via a penalty was his first World Cup knockout stage goal. Furthermore, at 41 years and 147 days old, he became the oldest player to score in a World Cup knockout stage.

Overall in World Cup history, he is the second oldest goalscorer after Cameroon's Roger Milla. Milla scored against Russia in 1994 at the age of 42 years and 39 days.

Comparison with Messi

Ronaldo has played 27 World Cup matches, while Argentina's captain Lionel Messi has played 30 matches so far. Messi's tally will increase as Argentina remains in the competition.

Last week in Miami, Messi completed his 20th World Cup goal against Cape Verde, making him the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history.

Ronaldo, Messi, and Mexico's veteran goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa are among the rare players to have played in 6 World Cups. However, Ronaldo's specialty is that he has scored in all 6 editions he has played. Messi, on the other hand, failed to score in the 2010 World Cup.

Messi played in two World Cup finals, losing to Germany in 2014 and winning the World Cup by defeating France in 2022, but such an opportunity did not come in Ronaldo's playing career.

What is Ronaldo's future now?

Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Ronaldo spoke emotionally about the end of his World Cup journey. He said, 'I have given everything I can to football. Playing for many years is not my necessity, it is my passion. I am proud to play for the national team and I love football.'

He is now expected to formally announce his retirement from international football. However, he is likely to continue playing for Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr. He recently won the league title with Al-Nassr.

Meanwhile, Portugal's head coach Roberto Martinez has also announced his resignation after the defeat against Spain. He described the defeat as the end of an era for the Portuguese team.

Martinez called Ronaldo an ideal captain and thanked him for his contribution to Portuguese football. However, he declined to comment further on Ronaldo's future.