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Cristiano Ronaldo confirmed his World Cup career is over after Portugal’s defeat to Spain, saying he leaves “with a clear conscience” after giving everything for his country.
Cristiano Ronaldo bid adieu to the World Cup (AP)
Cristiano Ronaldo says he has no regrets after bringing the curtain down on his extraordinary World Cup career, insisting he leaves football’s biggest stage “with a clear conscience” despite Portugal’s heartbreaking Round of 16 exit to Spain.
The 41-year-old featured in his record sixth FIFA World Cup in North America and made more history by becoming the first player to score in six different editions of the tournament, finishing the campaign with three goals.
Yet the one prize that eluded one of football’s greatest careers remained out of reach.
Portugal’s 1-0 defeat to Spain in Dallas ensured Ronaldo’s final World Cup ended in disappointment. Having confirmed before kickoff that this would be his last appearance at the tournament, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner admitted the ending was painful but said he could walk away proud.
“It’s normal and sad to leave the World Cup like that,” Ronaldo said. “But, as I said in the press conference, I gave it all, I gave my best.
“Yet, I left with a clear conscience. That’s football. That’s a footballer’s life. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. And you have to move on. The truth is, it was my last World Cup.”
Ronaldo’s finest World Cup run came on his debut in 2006, when Portugal reached the semi-finals. Despite an international career spanning more than two decades, he never managed to improve on that finish.
Looking ahead, the Portugal captain said he intends to take time before making any decisions about the next chapter of his career.
Cristiano Ronaldo:🗣️ “I’ve won three titles with Portugal. Before Cristiano, Portugal hadn’t won anything.
The biggest title I won with the National Team was Euro 2016. FOR ME, IT HAS THE SAME DIMENSION AS A WORLD CUP.” 😳🇵🇹 pic.twitter.com/kqDd3Oo5Qf
— World Cup HQ (@WorldCup26HQ) July 6, 2026
“How will I get up tomorrow? Exactly like I did today. With a clear conscience. I gave my best.
“I won three titles with Portugal. Before Cristiano, Portugal hadn’t won a single title. So, I’m content.
“The truth is, what the national team won in 2016 [the European Championship] to me, honestly, it holds the same weight as the World Cup.
“That’s why I repeat: I leave with a clear conscience, I gave it my all. And that’s that. Tomorrow is a new day. And life goes on.”
Ronaldo, who also lifted the UEFA Nations League twice with Portugal, remains under contract with Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr. However, he declined to reveal his long-term plans.
“Regarding the rest, I’ll take time to think and be with my family to avoid making decisions in the heat of the moment and to move forward with my life,” he said.
About the Author
After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His…Read More
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