Did Cristiano Ronaldo Retire? What to Know About His 2026 World Cup Farewell

Cristiano Ronaldo walked off the pitch at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas, with tears in his eyes on Monday, July 6, as his Portugal squad fell 1-0 to Spain in the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Ronaldo, 41, has said this would be his final World Cup, but he has not closed the door on appearing on the national stage for Portugal again. "I'm sad to leave the World Cup in this way," he told reporters after the match. "But as I said yesterday in the press conference, I've given my all, I've given my best and I leave with a clear conscience." Ronaldo has represented Portugal in international play for more than two decades and, at this year's tournament, became the first male player ever to score a goal in six different World Cups. Though Ronaldo helped lead his country to a European Championship in 2016 and two UEFA Nations League titles, the World Cup title eluded him. Nevertheless, he said he is happy with how things worked out. His national team coach, Roberto Martínez, added in his postgame remarks that Ronaldo has been an "exemplary captain." With Ronaldo still open to playing for Portugal in the immediate future, fans have speculated that he may change his mind and opt for one more run at the World Cup. Portugal will host the 2030 event along with cohosts Morocco and Spain.