The Portuguese captain became the only player to score in six World Cups after his brace against Uzbekistan.
Published July 6, 2026
It was a damp and muggy day in Dallas as the curtain came down on Cristiano Ronaldo’s remarkable World Cup career after Portugal lost to Spain in the round of 16.
Monday’s match marked the last time the football legend took to the field for his country in a global tournament where he made his mark in six appearances.
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Ronaldo confirmed his farewell to the World Cup after the match, saying: “I’m sad to leave the World Cup like this.”
“I gave it my all. I did everything I could and I leave with a clear conscience. Yes, this was my last World Cup, but now I will have time to think and be with my family. I will not make hasty decisions.”
The 41-year-old did not specify whether he had played his final game for Portugal, saying he did not want a personal decision to overshadow the team’s campaign.
Ronaldo looked around Dallas Stadium one last time, holding back tears and applauding the crowd, before slowly making his way into the dressing room one last time, clutching the captain’s armband.
Although Ronaldo leaves without ever lifting a World Cup trophy, he is one of the few players to have had such a distinguished career.
What World Cup records does Ronaldo hold?
Ronaldo became the first and only player to score at six different World Cups (2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022, 2026) when his brace helped Portugal thrash Uzbekistan 5-0 in the group stage this year.
The world icon is Portugal’s most capped player, with 27 tournament appearances and 11 goals for his country.
His penalty against Croatia this year was his first knockout goal in the tournament and made him the oldest goalscorer in World Cup knockout history (41 years and 147 days).
Overall, he is the second-oldest World Cup goal scorer after Cameroon’s Roger Milha, who was 42 years and 39 days old when he scored against Russia in 1994.
How is Ronaldo different from Messi?
The Portuguese captain has 27 tournament appearances to his name compared to Lionel Messi’s 30, although the Argentine captain’s tally is set to rise as he continues to defend his side’s title.
Messi confirmed his legacy as the World Cup’s top scorer when he scored his 20th goal to lead his side to victory over valiant Cape Verde in Miami last week.
While Ronaldo, Messi and veteran Mexican goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa share the honor of playing in six World Cups, Ronaldo has surpassed his Argentine rival, scoring in every edition of the world showpiece, whereas Messi failed to score in 2010.
What’s next for the Portuguese forward?
Ronaldo made an emotional announcement about his World Cup swan song, albeit on his own terms, when he spoke to reporters on Sunday.
“I gave everything I could to football. It’s been my passion to play for many years. I didn’t do it out of necessity; I’m doing well in life. It’s all about passion. I play for the national team and love playing football,” the 41-year-old said.
He is expected to make an announcement about his retirement from international football, but is also expected to continue playing in the Saudi Pro League for Al-Nasr, with whom he recently won the league title.
Meanwhile, Portugal coach Roberto Martinez said he was leaving his post after the defeat to Spain, calling the defeat the end of a cycle for the team.
Martinez praised Ronaldo as an exemplary captain and thanked him for his contribution to Portugal, but refrained from commenting further on the player’s future.