Cristiano Ronaldo 'at peace' upon end of complicated World Cup career

ARLINGTON, Texas – Cristiano Ronaldo was heartbroken as he left the pitch for the last time at a World Cup.

The 41-year-old forward, one of the most legendary scorers in the history of soccer, burst into tears, soaking up the final moments of Portugal’s 1-0 loss in the Round of 16 to Spain on Monday, July 6.

Ronaldo has accomplished just about everything a player could at the World Cup, minus a trophy. He ends his international career with 11 World Cup goals in 27 appearances – second to Lionel Messi’s 30 appearances – and became the first person to score in six different tournaments in a career earlier in the tournament.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner is content, though, despite coming up short of his ultimate goal of going out with a title.

“I'm at peace,” he said after the game. “I've given my best. I've won three titles with Portugal. Before, we hadn't won any titles. I'm happy. Honestly, the best title I won with the national team was (UEFA Euro 2016). For me, it has the same weight as a World Cup, sincerely. That's why I'm at peace knowing I gave my best.”

'An exemplary captain,' Portugal manager calls Ronaldo

Ronaldo played the full 90 minutes in the hard-fought loss, which ultimately ended courtesy of Spain super-sub Mikel Merino’s game-winning goal after the 90th minute. He had a few chances, but is far from the player who scored a hat trick against Spain in the two sides’ last World Cup meeting in 2018, which ended in a 3-3 tie to open the group stage.

The all-time leader in international goals (146) and appearances (233) in soccer history said as much prior to the game, as he gave reporters an introspective look into his mentality as he has grown older.

Portugal manager Roberto Martinez didn’t focus on Ronaldo’s performance at the World Cup in 2026 after the game, despite the Al-Nassr forward scoring three goals in four outings at the tournament. He rather mentioned Ronaldo’s impact on the country and the sport as a whole.

"He's been an exemplary captain," Martínez said of Ronaldo following the game.

"I arrived with Portugal at a time with a lot of confusion and doubts about Cristiano, and he's been a role model, not just with goals and assists, what he does in the box, his commitment, how he experiences football. He's an example, we have to celebrate him.

"We're talking about an icon in football. There aren't many Cristiano Ronaldos. We have to be thankful for what he did at this World Cup. He wanted to win it as a player, a captain, on a human level, we'll all take it with us forever. An example as the human being who is behind the sportsman."

Cristiano Ronaldo: 'I've given everything' on world soccer stage

Ronaldo will always be remembered as one of the greats, but his career at the World Cup comes up short of others considered near the top of soccer’s Mount Rushmore. Messi, whom he traded Ballon d’Or wins with from 2008-17 before Luka Modric broke their streak, has the most World Cup goals (20) and a World Cup championship win in 2022.

Ronaldo’s career at the international level is both prolific, yet somehow full of shortcomings given his world-class status. Ronaldo’s furthest run at the World Cup was to the semifinals in 2006, his first year at the tournament.

Spain midfielder Rodri, a member of the Ballon d’Or fraternity, was complimentary of Ronaldo’s greatness, however.

“Talking about Cristiano Ronaldo is talking about one of the best players in the history of football,” Rodri said. “His mentality, the way he understands the game, always trying to score, always trying to be the best of himself at 41 years old – it’s remarkable.

“His country has to be so proud of him to play six World Cups. It’s incredible (and) an example for all the generations that come before him.”

It’s unclear if Ronaldo’s international career is over, although he’ll never play in another World Cup game. He’s under contract with Al-Nassr through June 30, 2027, and was the second-oldest player at the tournament in 2026.

Ronaldo will think about his future, eventually. For now, he’s focused on turning the page to a new chapter, one that won’t be a part of Portugal’s future World Cup plans for the first time in over 20 years.

“I've given everything,” he said. “I've given my best. This is soccer, and the life of a soccer player. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. You have to continue on. The truth is it was my last World Cup, yes, but apart I'll take time to think, be with family, not decide things after the heat of the game.

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