ไทย
English
中國人
Cristiano Ronaldo has reaffirmed his stance that the Euro 2016 trophy he claimed with Portugal carries "the same magnitude" as a World Cup title, following his final appearance in football's most prestigious competition.
Portugal has been eliminated from the 2026 World Cup after a 1–0 defeat to Spain, courtesy of a Mikel Merino stoppage-time winner. It was a largely underwhelming display from Roberto Martínez's squad, with Ronaldo effectively neutralized by Spain's resolute defense—registering just 19 touches throughout the entire match.
At 41, this represented Ronaldo's last realistic shot at lifting the sport's most treasured prize. The Portuguese icon won't be adding a World Cup medal to his storied career, yet in his own estimation, he has already claimed something of equivalent worth.
"I have won three titles for Portugal," Ronaldo said following Monday's elimination. "Before Cristiano, Portugal hadn't won any titles. I'm happy.
"The truth is that the biggest title I won with the national team was in 2016 (the Euros), which for me has the same magnitude as a World Cup, honestly. So I leave with a clear conscience and that's it. Tomorrow will be a new day and life will go on."
Ronaldo's World Cup Career Comes to Brutal End
Six World Cups. Six attempts. But it wasn't meant to be for Cristiano Ronaldo. pic.twitter.com/VExoaWuSRr
His words may attempt to minimize the tournament's significance, but the tears rolling down Ronaldo's cheeks at the final whistle against Spain paint an entirely different picture.
The all-time legend made 27 appearances on the world's grandest stage, second only to long-standing rival Lionel Messi for most World Cup matches played. This summer, he became the sole player in history to score in six separate World Cup tournaments, a record that may never be surpassed. He also netted his first-ever World Cup knockout stage goal with a composed penalty against Croatia, simultaneously becoming the oldest scorer in the history of the knockout rounds.
"I'm sad to leave the World Cup in this way," Ronaldo reflected. "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. This is soccer, this is the life of a soccer player. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose and you have to carry on.
The record holder for most men's international appearances and goals achieved his deepest World Cup run during his debut tournament in 2006. Since then, the quarterfinal exit at Qatar 2022 remains the furthest he and Portugal have advanced on the global stage.
Cristiano Ronaldo's Career World Cup Stats Snapshot
Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
Games Played | 27 |
Minutes Played | 2,150 |
Goals | 11 |
Assists | 2 |
WIN FIFA WORLD CUP 2026™ FINAL TICKETS & OTHER PRIZES
What's Next For Ronaldo After World Cup Exit
As one journey ends, another begins.
In the same ongoing story of football, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lamine Yamal share a moment at full-time. pic.twitter.com/u9zFCZSP5I
Spain and Barcelona teenage sensation Lamine Yamal shared an embrace with Ronaldo at the final whistle, a moment that felt like the symbolic beginning of a new chapter in world football.
Given his age, questions about Ronaldo's imminent retirement are entirely reasonable. He remains contracted to Al Nassr through the summer of 2027, just months after his 42nd birthday. Speculation about how much he has left to offer will only grow, but Ronaldo insists now is not the moment for rash decisions.
"I'll have time to think, to be with my family," Ronaldo said. "To not make any decisions in the heat of the moment and carry on with my life."
Ronaldo has largely faded from football's brightest spotlight since departing Manchester United for the Saudi Pro League following the 2022 World Cup. Since then, his primary ambition beyond helping Al Nassr win trophies has been to become the first player ever to score 1,000 career goals—though Pelé and Romario have contested that claim.
After netting three times in North America this summer, Ronaldo's career tally stands at 976 goals. With that monumental milestone within striking distance, it would come as little surprise if he continues playing until he secures the historic landmark.
And who knows—should Ronaldo extend his Al Nassr deal by another year, or move elsewhere once his current contract expires, there remains a possibility that in two years' time he could be wearing Portugal's colors at Euro 2028, making a record eighth tournament appearance in pursuit of a second European crown—a trophy he considers every bit as significant as the World Cup itself.