ARLINGTON, Texas — Cristiano Ronaldo’s final appearance at a FIFA World Cup ended in painful fashion Monday, as substitute Mikel Merino struck in the closing moments to give Spain a 1-0 round-of-16 victory over Portugal.
Speaking to reporters after the match, the 41-year-old forward said Spain benefited from “a bit of luck” when Merino’s late goal sealed the result in what Ronaldo described as a closely contested match that could have gone either way.
“I’m sad to be leaving the World Cup like this,” Ronaldo said. “I gave it my all. I did my best and I’m leaving with a clear conscience. It was my last World Cup, yes, but I’ll now have time to reflect and be with my family. I won’t be making any rash decisions.”
While Ronaldo confirmed this was his last World Cup, he declined to say whether Monday’s defeat also marked his final appearance in a Portugal shirt, expressing a desire to avoid having personal matters overshadow the team’s tournament run.
“I don’t make decisions in the heat of the moment,” he said.
The Al-Nassr forward reflected on his legacy with the national team, pointing to three major titles he helped Portugal capture — the 2016 European Championship and Nations League victories in 2019 and 2025.
“I’ve won three titles for Portugal; before Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal hadn’t won a single title,” he said. “The biggest title the national team has ever won was in 2016, the European Championship, which, to be honest, is just as significant to me as a World Cup.”
Portugal’s exit from the tournament also marked the end of manager Roberto Martinez’s tenure with the team. Ronaldo had nothing but praise for the Spanish coach.
“I loved working with him,” Ronaldo said. “A great manager, a great human being, and what he’s done for Portugal is to be commended. I want to thank him and wish him every happiness.”
Ronaldo added that despite the bitter elimination, Portugal’s players could leave with their heads held high. “It’s always sad to be knocked out of a major tournament. It’s a World Cup. The team was really coming into its own. We played well, in my view. It could have gone either way, but that’s football. We have to pick ourselves up and carry on. It’s frustrating to go out like this, but we can hold our heads high.”
