Amid speculation over his World Cup future ahead of the last-16 match, Ronaldo revealed: “I will finish it when I decide.”
Published July 6, 2026
Cristiano Ronaldo has once again refused to accept that this World Cup will be the last of his career, as Portugal face Spain in the knockout stages.
Ronaldo insisted on Sunday, ahead of his team’s round-of-16 match against neighboring Spain, that he will quit soccer with no regrets.
The 41-year-old is playing in a record sixth World Cup and is expected to retire from the international stage before the next final, but insisted he intends to end his career by choice.
“It’s over when you decide. You always ask the same question: ‘Is this the last time?'” Let’s take a look. I’m not trying to draw attention to this. The most important thing is to play well tomorrow,” Ronaldo told reporters ahead of Monday’s match.
“To be completely honest, regardless of what happens tomorrow, Cristiano is leaving with a 1000 percent clear conscience.
“I have given my all to football. Playing for many years is my passion. I am not doing it out of necessity. I am doing well in life. Passion is important. I play for the national team and I love playing football.”
“No matter what happens tomorrow, I’m not going to put any pressure on myself to win.
“In a big tournament like the World Cup, you have to enjoy every game. I don’t think my performance was too bad. I scored three goals. Other players did better, but I don’t think my performance was too bad.”
A relaxed Ronaldo admitted he had enjoyed this tournament more than the previous five World Cups and was confident Roberto Martinez’s side could beat a Spain side that improved as the final progressed.
“If it wasn’t for this belief, we wouldn’t be here,” he said. “It was a great experience. We’re getting better every game.
“We know this is a tough competition and it’s impossible to always do well. Some good teams have been eliminated, but that says it all. The team is in good shape, calm and well prepared. We will face difficult teams, but I think we are ready.”
The former Manchester United and Real Madrid forward spent nine seasons with Real and will make his 233rd appearance for Portugal if he plays against Spain, with whom he has strong ties.
However, his scoring record against Portugal’s Iberian neighbors has been limited, with only four goals against the Spaniards. This total includes a hat-trick in a 3-3 draw in the group stage of the 2018 World Cup.
“Spain are always favorites to win the Euros and the Nations League. They have already won this competition,” he said.
“Spain are the favorites. They have more titles than Portugal, but this is a different tournament with different players. There are injuries, there is heat. Spain are the favorites.”
“I like playing against Spain. My record is quite good. We have played against Spain 10 or 11 times and they are very balanced. We will win in the details. I have a feeling that we will win. I like playing against Spain.”
“Even if this is my last World Cup, all I have to do is enjoy it. I want to move on, so this won’t be my last World Cup game.”
