Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed this will be his last World Cup as he prepares to face Spain and Portugal in Monday’s round of 16 match in Arlington, Texas.
Ronaldo, 41, has played in six tournaments – in 2006, 2020, 2014, 2018, 2022 and now 2026. He became the first player to score in six World Cups when he scored against Uzbekistan in the group stage.
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“It’s about enjoying it as much as possible,” Ronaldo said towards the end of his pre-match press conference on Sunday. “This will be my last World Cup, but let’s hope tomorrow’s game won’t be my last.”
“The day will come (when I retire from international football). But I’ll be honest. Whatever happens tomorrow, Cristiano will leave with a clear conscience, not 100%, but 1000%. Because I gave everything in football. I don’t need it, I have a good life, but it’s about passion. right?”
Ronaldo scored twice against Uzbekistan in the group stage and then scored a penalty against Croatia in the round of 16, his first goal in a World Cup knockout match.
“It was fantastic,” he said when asked about his experience at the tournament. “It goes beyond the field… What I remember most about this World Cup is the passion of the people. This time even more so, I don’t know why. Emotionally it was the best. I really enjoyed it.”
Cristiano Ronaldo has played in six World Cups and has confirmed this is his last match. Paul ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images
Ronaldo, who won the 2016 European Championship with Portugal, insisted he does not need to win this World Cup to complete his CV.
“I miss nothing in life,” he said. “I’m not going to be more or less than Cristiano because I won the World Cup. We have the qualities needed to win, but only one country can win it… Age brings maturity and experience.”
“I’m grateful even for the attacks I’m getting as I turn 40 – and I hope to live another 40 years – with criticism, that’s how you grow the most as a person, and I thank you journalists for that.”
He was asked about Spanish star Lamin Yamal, 18.
“He is a player with a great future,” Ronaldo said. “But I always see Spain as a whole, they are all good… The more prepared you are, the better you will survive a long football career if that is what you want. If you listen to criticism, you lose.”
“There is constructive criticism, and there is criticism designed to kill you. If you want a long career, you will have to adapt and focus on the love and passion of the fans. Over time, I’ve learned to be involved with people who love you and are passionate about what you do.”
Ahead of his meeting with Ronaldo in the round of 16, Spain coach Luis de la Fuente expressed his admiration for Portugal’s all-time leading scorer.
“I’m a Cristiano fan. I am a fan of players and people with ambition and character, who are tireless, who want to improve every day, who are an example for young people,” said De la Fuente.
“We must always be aware of it. This doesn’t mean we should celebrate him, but we should be aware of him, his talent and class. He is the best in the areas in which he works.”