Cristiano Ronaldo’s remarkable journey with the Portugal national team has come to an end following Seleção das Quinas’ 1-0 defeat to Spain in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. After appearing in six World Cup final tournaments, the Al-Nassr forward has officially announced his retirement from international football.
Over the course of his illustrious career, the 41-year-old, born in Funchal, Madeira, Portugal, has collected countless individual and team honors. However, one dream remained unfulfilled: winning the FIFA World Cup, an achievement accomplished by his longtime rival Lionel Messi with Argentina. That ambition ultimately remained out of reach until the end of his international career.
“I’m saddened to leave the World Cup this way. I gave everything I had. I gave my very best, and I leave with peace in my heart. Yes, this was my last World Cup, but now I have time to reflect and spend time with my family. I won’t make any hasty decisions,” Ronaldo said, as quoted by Reuters on Tuesday, July 7, 2026.
CR7 stopped short of explicitly confirming that the match against Spain was his final appearance for Portugal. He said he did not want his personal decision to overshadow the team’s campaign.
Before leaving the field, Ronaldo took one last look around Dallas Stadium, holding back tears as he applauded the crowd. He then slowly walked toward the dressing room with the captain’s armband still in his hand.
Although he retires without lifting the World Cup trophy, Ronaldo leaves behind one of the greatest international careers in football history.
He became the first and only player to score in six different FIFA World Cups (2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022, and 2026), after scoring twice during this year’s group stage to help Portugal defeat Uzbekistan 5-0.
The global icon also holds the record for the most World Cup appearances for Portugal, featuring in 27 tournament matches and scoring 11 goals.
When he converted a penalty against Croatia, Ronaldo not only scored his first-ever goal in the World Cup knockout stage but also became the oldest goalscorer in Round of 16 history, finding the net at 41 years and 147 days old.
Overall, he is the second-oldest goalscorer in FIFA World Cup history, behind Roger Milla of Cameroon, who scored against Russia in 1994 at the age of 42 years and 39 days.
During his post-match press conference, Ronaldo delivered an emotional reflection on what proved to be his final World Cup appearance.
“Playing for all these years has been my passion. I didn’t do it because life demanded it; my life has long been secure. It’s about passion. I play for the national team because I love football,” he said.
As for retirement from club football, Ronaldo said he has not yet made any plans. He is widely expected to continue his professional career in the Saudi Pro League with Al-Nassr.***
