Cristiano Ronaldo has said he will not make any immediate decisions about his future after Portugal’s 1-0 defeat to Spain in the Round of 16 on Monday brought his World Cup career to an end.
The 41-year-old, who had confirmed before the match that the 2026 tournament would be his last World Cup, said he intends to take time before deciding his next steps.
Reflecting on the end of his World Cup journey, Ronaldo said, “It was my last World Cup, yes, but I’ll have time to think about the rest, to be with my family, not make rash decisions, and just get on with life.”
The Portugal captain acknowledged the disappointment of the defeat but stressed that setbacks are part of football.
“That’s football, that’s the life of a footballer.
“Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, and you have to move on.”
Despite falling short of winning the World Cup during his illustrious career, Ronaldo said he leaves the tournament with no regrets.
Ronaldo, the all-time leading scorer in men’s international football, said he would leave the World Cup stage “with a clear conscience”.
“The truth is, the biggest title I won with the national team was in 2016 (Euros), which for me is just as significant as a World Cup, honestly,” he said.
“That’s why, I repeat, I’m leaving with a clear conscience, at my best, and that’s it. Tomorrow is a new day, and life goes on.”
Ronaldo’s greatest achievement with Portugal remains the country’s triumph at the 2016 European Championship. Although he never lifted the World Cup trophy, his finest run in the competition came when Portugal reached the semi-finals 20 years ago.
