After scoring twice against Uzbekistan, the Portuguese captain became the only player to score in six World Cups.
Published July 6, 2026
It was a damp, sticky afternoon in Dallas when Portugal lost to Spain in the Round of 16, ending Cristiano Ronaldo’s glittering World Cup career.
Monday’s game was the last time the soccer legend, who has made his mark across six tournaments, will represent his country on the pitch in a world tournament.
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After the match, Ronaldo confirmed his farewell to the World Cup, saying: “I’m sad to have to leave the World Cup in this way.”
“I gave it my all. I did my best and I’m going to leave here with a clear conscience. Yes, this was my last World Cup, but now I have time to think it over and be with my family. I won’t make any rash decisions.”
The 41-year-old stopped short of confirming whether he had played his final game for Portugal, saying he did not want his personal decision to overshadow the team’s campaign.
Ronaldo took one last look at Dallas Stadium, fought back tears as he applauded the crowd, then slowly made his way to the locker room one last time, clutching the captain’s armband in his hand.
Ronaldo went away without ever lifting a World Cup trophy, but he is one of the few players to have had such an outstanding career.
What record does Ronaldo hold in the World Cup?
Ronaldo helped Portugal defeat Uzbekistan 5-0 in the group stage, becoming the first and only player to score in six World Cups (2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022, 2026).
The global icon is Portugal’s most capped player, having made 27 appearances in the tournament and scoring 11 goals for his country.
His penalty against Croatia was his first goal in a World Cup final tournament, making him the oldest scorer in the history of a World Cup final tournament, at 41 years and 147 days old.
Overall, he is the second oldest goalscorer at the World Cup, with Cameroon’s Roger Mila, who scored against Russia in 1994, aged 42 years and 39 days.
How does Ronaldo differ from his rival Messi in terms of key stats?
The Portuguese captain has played 27 times in the competition, while Lionel Messi has played 30 times, and the number of appearances will increase as the Argentine captain continues to defend his team’s title.
Messi added to his record as the World Cup’s all-time scorer by scoring his 20th goal in a brave win over Cape Verde in Miami last week.
Ronaldo, Messi and Mexico’s veteran goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa share the distinction of appearing in six World Cups, but while Ronaldo outscored his Argentine rival in each of the global tournaments, Messi failed to score in 2010.
What’s next for the Portuguese forward?
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Ronaldo made an emotional announcement about the World Cup incandescence, albeit at his own discretion.
“I have given everything I can to football. It is my passion to play all these years. 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,” the 41-year-old said.
The player is expected to announce his retirement from international football, but is expected to continue playing in the Saudi Professional League with Al Nasr, who recently won the league title.
Meanwhile, Portugal coach Roberto Martínez said he was stepping down from his role following the loss to Spain, saying the loss marked the end of the team’s cycle.
Martinez praised Ronaldo as an exemplary captain and thanked him for his contribution to Portugal, but declined to comment further on the player’s future.
